Burnaby, BC: On August 7, 2015 the Canadian Wheelchair Foundation (“CWF”) held its Annual General Meeting in Burnaby, BC at the offices of Loewen Kruse, the accounting firm of record.
Nominations for the addition of 2 new board members were presented for consideration at the AGM. Mr. Larry Kustra and Mr. Ron Lewis were elected to the Board of Directors, and their appointments were welcomed by the entire CWF team.
The Executive Director, Christiana Flessner, reported on events that occurred during calendar 2014 including the following highlights:
- Over 3,400 wheelchairs delivered to 13 destinations, a significant increase over 2013
- 4 programs included locally manufactured mobility aids, further stimulating economic and other sustainable benefits in destination countries
- Total wheelchairs distributed climbed to over 38,500 globally
- Strong financial stewardship with continued high ranking in Charity Navigator ratings
- Change in wheelchair sponsorship to $190 CDN well supported by partners, and proven to accurately reflect program costs
- CWF team expanded with 2 highly experienced, part-time individuals resulting in improved efficiency in logistics and financial reporting
- Challenges have included significant increase in US exchange rate, importation into certain countries and relatively flat gross revenue vs fiscal 2014
- CWF’s vision, mission and values continue to guide the foundation’s work and its broad base of partners worldwide
The rewards of providing people with renewed hope for the future through the gift of mobility continue to validate CWF’s programs. These life-long transformations are made possible through the unwavering generosity and dedication of CWF’s partners, staff and the Board of Directors, for which we are sincerely grateful.
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.