Press Release

ROTARY LAUNCH A NEW PARTNERSHIP WITH WHEELCHAIR FOUNDATION UK

July 1st 2006

Rotary International in Great Britain and Ireland (RIBI) launches today a partnership with   the Wheelchair Foundation UK, a charity which provides disabled people worldwide with new wheelchairs suitable for their environment. RIBI has chosen the Wheelchair Foundation UK as a preferred international project for support in the next twelve months. To date, the Wheelchair Foundation has delivered over 500,000 wheelchairs in over 140 countries worldwide. This achievement, which occurred on June 13, 2006, is celebrated along with the 6th anniversary, marking six years since the inception of the Wheelchair Foundation in June 2000. An association was formed with Rotary in 2001 and the Wheelchair Foundation agreed to match penny for penny any monies donated by Rotarians.  Rotarians in Great Britain and Ireland will help raise funds for wheelchairs as well as assisting with the handover of wheelchairs.

Prior to taking up the post as President of Rotary International in Great Britain and Ireland, Peter L Offer initiated a fact finding trip to South Africa, Lesotho and Romania to see the work at first hand.   He said “I witnessed a boy in South Africa who had arrived in a wheel barrow receiving a wheelchair – I will never forget that image. Mobility gives dignity, self respect and the opportunity for individuals to gain education and employment, as well as removing a huge burden on their families. It really does make a difference.  I hope that with the help that Rotarians can give in the next year The Wheelchair Foundation will be able to help many more people in need.”