 |
|
|
 Vallarta Living | May 2006 
More Help Sought - Rotarians Want to Take Sixth Load of Wheelchairs and Equipment
 Elaine Pennington - camrosecanadian.com
| • It is estimated that the number of people who need wheelchairs will increase by 22 percent over the next 10 years, with the greatest need existing in developing countries.
• In developing countries, only a small percentage of those who need wheelchairs have them, forcing dependence upon family and friends to get around. For others, the only way to get around is to crawl, or lie in a bed or corner of a room for years at a time.
• Despite tremendous efforts of many relief organizations, they are still not sufficient to meet the overwhelming need. |
The gift of mobility is well worth the trip to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico every year for Rotary Club of Camrose members.
It started out with a chance meeting between Camrosians Don and Chris Rebus, and Ivan Applegate Curiel in 1999 and it has turned into a major international project for the Rotary Club of Camrose. Curiel was in the process of constructing a centre in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico to assist and empower the disabled in the poverty stricken area when the Rebus’ met him for the first time.
History
“They were at a meeting where Ivan was giving a talk (on his plans for the handicapped). He became a quadriplegic at the age of 17 after a diving accident,” Bob Bell said, noting that Curiel has dedicated his time and energy to making life better
for hundreds of handicapped Mexicans.
When Camrose Rotarians heard about Curiel’s project they decided to do something about it and within a few months they secured a bus. It was refurbished it and packed with wheelchairs, crutches, walkers, canes, typewriters, adding machines and other supplies that would help get the project off the ground. Then in 2000 four local Rotarians made the long trek down to Puerto Vallarta to deliver the items.
Puerto Vallarta has a population of approximately 300,000 and Bell said 10 per cent of those people have some sort of disability. Local Rotarians have made five trips to Puerto Vallarta and will be returning in October with a sixth load of wheelchairs, canes, walkers and crutches.
In November 2003 local Rotarians delivered 25 children’s wheelchairs and the response was incredible, Bell said, as many families cannot afford the cost of a wheelchair so many construct some sort of makeshift system, including putting wheels on a kitchen chair.
Last fall, Bell, Larry Sharuga and Elwyn Grattidge were joined by Orest Fitzowich of Calmar and they flew down with 68 wheelchairs, 25 canes, 11 pairs of crutches, 29 walkers, 227 ball caps and 16 replacement wheels for the wheelchairs.
Assistance
“We are looking for canes, walkers and crutches and there is always a great need for wheelchairs,” Bell said. “With this trip, over 300 wheelchairs will have been taken down to Puerto Vallarta.
“There is a real need for youth wheelchairs, but they are hard to secure. Even if we leave adult wheelchairs they are able to use them,” he explained.
It is always an emotional experience for Bell and the others who have joined him on the trip. “It’s a great project and always very emotional. We have provided mobility for people that have not been able to basically get out of the house.”
Given the extent of the situation, Bell admits it is unlikely Camrose Rotarians will ever be able to meet the need, but helping one is better than doing nothing at all.
The project would not be possible without the contribution of Rotarians here in Camrose. “The Camrose Rotary Club has been very supportive and the club plays for all of the shipping costs, but the individuals who go along to ensure they arrive at their destination cover their own costs,” Bell added.
For Bell and his fellow Rotarians, delivering the items is a heart-wrenching experience.
“For people that could never afford to buy a wheelchair and suddenly have mobility it is unbelievable.” He added, “to go from no mobility to having mobility... it is a tearjerker, they were breaking up they were so emotional and it was hard not to myself. They don’t have anything, there is no health care, no nothing,” Bell said.
With the assistance of Camrosians, Bell knows this trip will be well worthwhile.
“A special thank you to Lynne Chernin, of The Camrose Canadian, who has made storage space available for the wheelchairs and provided space to work on the chairs to ensure they are ready to go.” |
| |
|
Vallarta Weddings
Tell a Friend
Site Map
Print this Page
Email Us