As we reflect on our 10th anniversary year we are reminded of the amazing power of partnerships and people’s intrinsic desire to make a difference. From the overwhelming success of Campbell River’s 7th annual “Dancing and Tapas,” to our inaugural wheelchair distribution in Russia, and the opportunity to thank Honoured Humanitarian Michele Holmes, it has been an extraordinary year!
It is not however, the ‘accomplishments’ that stand out the most but rather the wonderful partnerships that have enabled us to touch other’s lives and who have in turn, touched ours. There are far too many to name, but this story represents all of those who have joined our journey this past year.
With growing requests for people in need of mobility here in Canada, together with a group of sponsors we ordered a container to be brought into the port of Vancouver. But where to store 110 wheelchairs while we sorted out the various destinations stretching from Vancouver Island to New Brunswick?
With the ship already on the water and ‘no room at the inn’ we put a call out to our partners for help….and help they did! A local Knights of Columbus member connected us with a client company of his, Universal Rope Fabrication in Coquitlam. A family run business, they didn’t hesitate at the chance to contribute and have been absolutely outstanding! Their gift of energy, expertise and time means that the wheelchairs are already being distributed to waiting recipients for which we are eternally grateful!
Christmas is a time for giving, but it seems that our partners embrace the desire to serve others all year through! May you and yours experience the same warmth and caring this season and a peace-filled new year.
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.