Successful Wheel Chair Distribution - TEAM ECUADOR

Posted by Dan Herbert 
on Nov 20, 2009
 
In November 2009, District 7010's 12th and 13th containers of wheelchairs were delivered to residents in 6 different areas in the southern part of Ecuador.  Rotarians from 11 different 7010 clubs (Barrie-Huronia, Bracebridge-Muskoka Lakes, Collingwood South Georgian Bay, Lindsay, Haliburton, North Bay Nipissing, Orillia, Orillia Lake Country, Peterborough Kawartha, Timmins Porcupine and Wasaga Beach & Area) and the Rotary Club of Salt Spring Island, British Columbia, unpacked, assembled and delivered 540 brand new wheelchairs to recipients and their families.  All the chairs were sent to Ecuador thanks to donations by many of our Rotary Clubs and hundreds of individuals.   The total monetary cost of the chairs was $70,000.US.  One half of that money came through Rotary Foundation and District grants.
 

While in Ecuador a number of the participants took side trips to places like the Galapagos Islands, Peru and to other areas in the country.  As well, while on the actual Distribution, team members were treated by our hosts of the Rotary Club of La Puntilla to interesting social and educational opportunities.  A couple of highlights were a cocktail party on the Tall Ship Guayas and a trip on a pirate boat down the Rio Guayas.   All members attended a meeting of the La Puntilla Club and 18 also went to a meeting of the Tomebamba Club.  Some of the Team visited 4 or 5 schools supported by or needing the support of Rotary. 

Before the end of 2009 I shall be handing over the coordination of District 7010 Wheelchair Projects to Janice Vervaeke, a member of the Peterborough-Kawartha Club.  Janice is a strong leader and is committed to Rotary Service.  For 3 years she was treasurer of our Club.  The project will continue to use the Rotary Clubs of Peterborough Foundation for processing donations.

Residents of two countries (Peru and Afghanistan) have been identified as needing wheelchairs.  As well, during the Ecuadorian distribution requests were made, particularly from the outlying areas, for us to come back.  Decisions related to priority will be established and then plans made.  In the mean time, donations by Clubs and individuals are most welcome as there is still tremendous need for chairs.   One just has to witness persons being lifted off the ground or out of a wheelbarrow or carried in a caregiver's arms to feel that we in District 7010 are on the right track.

For further information until Janice assumes this role, please do not hesitate to contact me at dawn@straka.ca .

Yours in Rotary Service,   Dawn Straka (DGE)  November 18th, 2009