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10/23/2006

Wheels For The World Surpasses Goal By Collecting 250 Wheelchairs

Judy Siegle and Lorene Peterson, area representatives for Wheels for the World, have surpassed their goal and collected 250 wheelchairs and over 300 walkers, crutches and canes. These items are now ready to be packed up and delivered to the Kit Carson Correctional Facility in Burlington, Colo., to be refurbished. On Tuesday, Oct. 24, at 2 p.m., FM Jets hockey players, and other volunteers, are going to load the items at the West Acres Office Park, 1701 38th St. SW, onto a Valley Express truck to be transported. The items should arrive in Colorado on Thursday or Friday.

Judy Siegle and Lorene Peterson, area representatives for Wheels for the World, have surpassed their goal and collected 250 wheelchairs and over 300 walkers, crutches and canes. These items are now ready to be packed up and delivered to the Kit Carson Correctional Facility in Burlington, Colo., to be refurbished. On Tuesday, Oct. 24, at 2 p.m., FM Jets hockey players, and other volunteers, are going to load the items at the West Acres Office Park, 1701 38th St. SW, onto a Valley Express truck to be transported. The items should arrive in Colorado on Thursday or Friday.

The Wheels for the World campaign collects used wheelchairs, crutches, walkers and canes. These items are refurbished and sent to people all over the world who can't afford and/or don't have access to these quality of life items. Siegle says "We're fortunate in this part of the country to be able to impact people around the world and make a positive difference. The wheelchairs we collect will bring mobility to people, which will help them live fuller lives." She is proud of the support from the whole community.

Additional information:
  • MeritCare is the primary local sponsor for Wheels for the World, along with 20 other local businesses who are providing support.
  • This year's local Wheels for the World drive ran from Aug. 21-25.
  • Since 2000, over 750 wheelchairs have been collected locally.
  • To date, Wheels for the World has distributed over 35,000 wheelchairs to over 60 countries.
  • "The World Health Organization estimates that there is a need for over 18 million wheelchairs around the world. In some of these countries the cost of a wheelchair can equal a year's wages, resulting in the impossibility for people affected by disability to ever receive one. [People are] Living in isolation, lacking simple mobility and cut off from life…" (from wheelsfortheworld.org)