Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - Many local people with disabilities enjoy a better quality of life today due to the combined efforts of the members of the Rotary Club of Camrose, Canada and the local chapter from Vallarta located in Pitillal. Based in the province of Alberta they have forged special bonds of friendship and fellowship with the Vallarta Rotarians over the last 11 years. So far they have helped to transform the lives of more than 1,500 people.

Yesterday, Allen Rustad, Carman Mason and Ken Rustad, from the Rotary Club of Camrose, met with Ivan Applegate Curiel, chairman of Disabled Vallartenses (DIVAC), along with members of the Vallarta Rotary Club, to make a symbolic delivery of a wheelchair to 74 year old Esperanza Moya Becerril. Señora Becerril suffers from osteoarthritis in both knees which greatly complicates standing and walking.

In addition to the 130 wheelchairs, DIVAC also received 20 walkers, 10 crutches, wood and metal canes, and splints and orthotic braces for the knee, wrist, and ankle. All of these are to be delivered to those with temporary disabilities, and will be returned when no longer needed so that others can benefit from them.

Camrose Rotarians and DIVAC provide very important support each year for people with disabilities who cannot afford the equipment they need. They have delivered nearly 4,000 wheelchairs in 11 years through this program, but even that amount doesn't meet the demand. "Every day there are more people with disabilities, and many are not aware of the possibility of receiving countenance," said Applegate Curiel.

Carman Mason accentuated the work of the Puerto Vallarta Rotary Club in Pitillal which, along with DIVAC, continues the long process required to bring Rotary wheelchairs to disadvantaged families here. "We work with the Rotarians here in Vallarta because we are confident that the chairs will be given to those who really need it. Many poor people in Mexico do not have the means to get these items, and the government is not always able to provide them, so we're happy to bring them through the humanitarian programs of Rotary International.”

Señora Becerril, the first beneficiary of this year, thanked them for their noble work and great effort. She told her benefactors that "without a doubt the wheelchair will change her life, as it has become very difficult for her to fend for herself since she is unable to work to acquire one on her own."

Imporvished people who need orthopedic equipment can contact DIVAC at (322)-225-5368, or visit Calle Mike Lemus 151 in the Cajos neighborhood, where they must submit a copy of their official identification and proof of address. No medical certificate is required, but the recipient must be present in order to be ensure they receive a wheelchair that is correct for their weight and height. Then, on February 20th at 1:00 pm, the wheelchairs will be delivered to those who complete their applications.