Sidney, BC: The simple combination of vision and a generous spirit can make an uncommon difference in the world.
Take for example, Michele Holmes of Holmes Realty in the small Vancouver Island community of Sidney, BC who was recently recognized as an ‘Honored Humanitarian’ by the Canadian Wheelchair Foundation.
Ms. Holmes, a charter member of the Sidney by the Sea Rotary Club, was introduced to the Foundation through Rotary International. In 2007, Michele made the decision to provide the gift of mobility by donating a brand new wheelchair for each home sold by her team of real estate experts. Since that time this devoted group has provided over 700 wheelchairs to recipients in developing nations around the world who lack the resources or access to them.
The provision of each wheelchair has a positive impact upon 10 people’s lives, which means that through their dedication over 7,000 lives have been transformed. As Victoria’s Times Colonist recently reported, Michele hasn’t yet reached her goal and plans “to donate 1,000 wheelchairs,” a truly amazing legacy.
Background
The Canadian Wheelchair Foundation is an independent Canadian registered charity with the goal to deliver brand new, free wheelchairs to persons with physical disabilities throughout the world who are without mobility or the means to acquire a wheelchair. With a strong focus on developing and newly industrialized states, the Canadian Wheelchair Foundation continues to change the lives of people and communities with a gift that extends hope, dignity, opportunity and independence to all.