Wheelchairs for Kids VOLUME 12 ISSUE 78

2015 JULY - SEPTEMBER

We listen, we care, we give to disabled children & their families around the world.

Since 1998 a Project of the Rotary Club of Scarborough, Western Australia, assisted by The Christian Brothers.

MAJOR SPONSORS

THE DRILLTHE DRILL QUARTERLY UPDATE

THE CHRISTIAN

BROTHERS

Four of the nine riders (L to R) John Cook, Paul

Worthington, Mark Howard and Trish O’Reilly

visited the workshops and presented their

cheque for $31,700.

The team of nine

set out from

Florence, Oregon,

on May 11 and

finished their ride on

July 19 at Yorktown, Virginia.

We thank you for a truly magnificent effort.

John Hughan

Rotary Club of Scarborough

Western Australia

Inc

WORKSHOPS: +61 8 9409 3633 E-MAIL : wchairs @ bigpond.net.au WEB SITE: www.wheelchairsforkids.org

CONTACT INFORMATION :

POSTAL ADDRESS: PO BOX 1175, WANGARA DC, WESTERN AUSTRALIA, 6947 LOCATION : UNITS 1,2,5 & 6 45 DELLAMARTA ROAD, WANGARA. W.A. 6065

VOLUNTEER CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER: ROTARIAN GORDON HUDSON 0412 111 419

VOLUNTEER WORKSHOP MANAGER: HON. ROTARIAN BR. OLLY PICKETT 0411 633 020

VOLUNTEER CHAIRMAN, MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE: ROTARIAN DAVE TAGGART 9447 0940

VOLUNTEER WORKSHOP COORDINATOR AND EDITOR: BOB SHERIDAN : 0412 987 229

TO PLACE AN ARTICLE IN “THE DRILL” CONTACT BOB AT bobsheridan@iinet.net.au

“Every single day, disabled children are left alone in their homes, unable

to access education.” -Report “Our Africa Project”

Australia-Africa Mining Industry Group

AAMIG TEAM OF NINE CYCLE 6675 KM

ACROSS AMERICA FOR DISABLED KIDS

WHO NEED WHEELCHAIRS.

2.

VOLUNTEER CATHY CUTLER

A Word from the CEO

I’ve just seen a frightening statistic. One in 300 children born in Africa suffers from

Cerebral Palsy! Whereas pre and post natal care would rectify most of this, it is some way

off and meanwhile we must keep producing therapeutic wheelchairs to help as many of

these sufferers as we can.

On to my usual topic, fund raising. The year ending June 30th was another successful one, with as every

year, an increase in our income. This year’s significant increase was mainly due to two thoughtful ladies

leaving us a bequest amounting to 25% of our income. Have you thought of it?

Just a line in your will could make such a difference to very needy children.

You can see that our wheelchair cost is rising , although only marginally over the years

One factor is that we buy a large percentage of our raw materials and parts from overseas and pay in

US dollars. With the drop in the value of the Australian dollar we are paying 40% more for these

materials than we were a few years ago. We are working on it and with the help of volunteer fund

raiser Jerry Georgatos with contacts in China, we have some ideas on improving this situation.

Also, we are constantly making basic improvements, such as using all sealed bearings and other

refinements to add comfort and to give the wheelchair a long life in rough conditions.

Our wheelchair is certainly not basic, having the extras so needed by many of our recipients, these being

a waterproof therapeutic cushion, tray, basket, headrest, cushioned side supports and an abductor

wedge (fits between the knees). Can you imagine what it would cost to buy all these extras commercial-

ly? I’ve seen just a small abductor wedge listed for 200 US dollars! Our wheelchair is still being produced

at a fraction of a normal commercial cost.

We are still urgently seeking volunteers to attend once fortnightly during the season at the Movies.

This fund raiser equates to 600 wheelchairs each year and unless we get support this year, our future

with the project could be in jeopardy. Do you know of any friends or relatives that could help? If so

please contact our volunteer coordinator Patsy Runge—

patsyrunge3@bigpond.com

Our Christmas card project which brings in close to

$100,000 each year is due to be distributed before the

next edition of this magazine. As a reminder— we give

you the card to send to a friend or relative, telling them

that their present is your donation to Wheelchairs for

Kids. It also saves you wondering what you could buy.

These cards are printed free by a generous donor.

In closing, I wonder, was it your donation that put the

smile on this child’s face?

Cheerio for now Gordon (PS...Check out the “Value Cards” on page 7 )

To get a better idea of the journey simply use the following link and scroll down to a most wonderful video.

https://www.facebook.com/ADifferentAgenda?ref=nf

3.

David Shepherd ( 19.11.1935 - 24.08.2015 )

David, a Workshop Volunteer for 10 years, made a very significant contribution in the

successful development of several wheelchair models and the testing of components to

International Standards.

Our deepest sympathy to Ann and all David’s loved ones.

Neil McKellar ( 2.11.1927 - 1.09.2015 )

Neil was the prime mover in organising the placement of collection tins into the

community. Around 300 tins have produced more than $20,000 -

a tribute to Neil’s vision and hard work.

Our deepest sympathy to Harriet and all Neil’s loved ones.

Moin Khan and Wheelchairs for Kids Workshop Volunteer oBones started their journey from Islamabad on a Honda oCG-Dream; the scenic route they took explored Pakistan’s onatural beauty. They drove through Babusar Pass to Gilgit,

oexplored the western side of Ghizer/Yasin Valley and then back to Hunza. oFrom Hunza they drove to Khunjerab Pass (Pakistan-China Border at 15,400 feet). oBones tells of how amazed he was by the journey. His perception of Pakistan and its people has been one of loving ohospitality! They made their way back through Gilgit, into Skardu and spent a night in Deosai Plains. oThey then travelled through Rama, Chilaas, Babusar, Naran and finally to Islamabad.

“He is the craziest 70 year old ever. His nick name is Bones and

he has been riding motorcycles for the last 56 years and there

aren't many around with that kind of experience.

Here he is, getting ready to ride down Lake Saiful Malook.

He rides like a champ, is probably the happiest and the

craziest guy I've ever come across ever; does not get tired,

loves children, loves spicy food and most importantly,

he always has a smile on his face no matter what.

Boney you're an inspiration and I can only dream of riding

motorcycles when I'm 70.

I salute you sir!! Love from Pakistan!! “.....Moin Khan

“Meet the craziest 70 year old ever!!”

Reg ( Bones ) Doherty

Bill Yeo ( 17.09.1926 - 19.09.2015 )

Bill was a Volunteer in the Workshops for 10 years. His specialty was

the drilling of the numerous holes for the adjustments to the postural support devices.

His patient dedication to this demanding work was most appreciated.

Our deepest sympathy to all Bill’s loved ones.

4. Recently a group of Workshop Volunteers and

partners gathered at Whiteman Park to enjoy some

time together outside the workshops.

The glorious Spring weather was perfect in which to

celebrate the 60th Wedding Anniversary of Barbara

and Denis Wall.

The cake was another wonderful creation from

Cathy Cutler.

Congratulations Barbara and Denis.

Editor’s note:

Around noon

a shoot out

occurred between

Steve Pratt and

the Editor.

The ?UIZ NIGHT held in August was a wonderful success thanks to the energy of Volunteer Marie Cocks.

Her idea to have this fund-raising event was brought to fruition with the great help of Volunteers Cathy

and Bill Cutler assisted by Volunteers Steve Pratt and Bob Dickman.

Special thanks go to the Lions Club of Duncraig for the availability of the premises and the expertise

of the Quiz Master.

This great fun night resulted in a magnificent $1689 for Wheelchairs for Kids.

A MARATHON EFFORT FOR WHEELCHAIRS FOR KIDS.

Huge thanks to Michael Glynn who raised $3750 for Wheelchairs for

Kids by running the full marathon in

Chevron's City to Surf recently.

A wonderful personal gift

to so many disabled children.

Volunteers Caroline Bainbridge and Paul Taylor ( right )

nominated Wheelchairs for Kids to benefit from their volunteer

distribution of the telephone directories.

With possibly 10 wheelchairs being made available to poor and

disabled children as a result of their work, their support is very

much appreciated by all at Wheelchairs for Kids

5.

V OLUNTEERS WHO MAKE THE WHEELCHAIRS

1. Cliff Cottingham assembling the adjustable footrests.

2. Bob Dickman putting together the components of the brake mechanism.

3. Denis Colley bending the cushion plates.

4. Beppie de Kuyer cutting lengths of aluminium for components.

5. Peter Pougnault drilling the holes in the backrest needed for adjustability of the support devices.

6. Dave Eddy boxing the finished wheelchairs for distribution overseas.

7. Steve Pratt assembling the adjustable headrest components.

8. Keith Minkey drilling an aluminium component.

9. Brian Williams cutting aluminium spacer components.

10. Tony Seeber putting together the handle assembly.

1 2 3

5 6

4

10 9 8

7

PROVIDES A WHEELCHAIR

THAT IS MUCH MORE THAN A CHAIR ON WHEELS.

Accumulated increased costs have raised the amount needed to

provide two thirds of our wheelchairs to $200 and to $230 for the

one third requiring special extra postural support devices.

6.

If you would like to help us you can do so in any of the following ways:

1. A cheque made out to “Wheelchairs for Kids” and posted to: Wheelchairs for Kids, PO Box 1175, Wangara DC, WA 6947. 2. By credit card - ring (08) 9409 3633. 3. Visit our website (See page 1) and click on “How to Help”.

$200 creates a wheelchair and changes a life for the better.

A. ALL ALUMINIUM COMPONENTS $53.00

B. ALL CUSHIONING $34.00

C. CHASSIS $19.00

D. ALL WHEELS $38.00

E. BRAKE ASSEMBLIES $10.00

F. HDPE*COMPONENTS $20.00

G. TOOLS, FASTENERS AND

ALL OTHER COMPONENTS $56.00

*HIGH DENSITY POLYETHYLENE COMPONENTS ARE:

HEADREST BOARD, BACKREST BOARD, SEAT AND

BOTH FOOT PLATES.

$200

A

E

D

C

G B

F

SOME PERKS FOR A LOT OF US AT WHEELCHAIRS FOR KIDS

No one expects you to run ....anywhere. There is very little left

to learn the hard way. Most things you buy now probably won’t

wear out. Your investment in health insurance is finally beginning

to pay off. There are fewer and fewer things in life worth standing in a queue for.

7.

Value Cards Along with the hard earned funds raised by the enormous effort

of our generous volunteers who assist in the running of the

Community Cinemas, significant funding can also come from the sale of “Value Cards”.

This discounted ticket costs $59 and provides over $102 value which includes:

4 movie tickets, $8 admission for up to 4 people at all screenings (UNLIMITED USE),

4 FREE standard popcorn, 4 FREE soft drinks / bottled water OR hot beverages (any combination) and

4 FREE ice creams (any in the range on sale).

100 % of the sale of the value card is donated to Wheelchairs for Kids. Order forms are

available now from the Wheelchairs for Kids workshops. Ring 9409 3633 to arrange a pick

up or to have the forms mailed to you.

WHERE & WHEN: BURSWOOD NOVEMBER 26, 2015 - APRIL 9, 2016

MURDOCH DECEMBER 3, 2015 - APRIL 9, 2016

BASSENDEAN DECEMBER 10, 2015 - APRIL 2, 2016

MANDURAH JANUARY 8, 2016 - JANUARY 31, 2016

THAILAND

Guitar is 9 years old. She suffers from paralysis throughout her whole body and as a result cannot walk or communicate. She lives with her mother, Krathin, at her aunt’s residence in the middle of a crowded slum. Krathin earns 200 THB (6.55 AUD) a day as a market monger. Because of her extremely low income and the very high medical treatment fees and expenses Krathin decided to file a petition to Nong Chok District Office to send Guitar to the Camillian Home, in Bangkok, for therapies, treatments, education and general childcare. Founded in 2008 by Italian priest Father Giovanni Contarin, Camillian Home focuses on helping poor children who have serious illnesses or disabilities. It was here that Guitar received a wheelchair from Wheelchairs for Kids along with a colourful

knee rug and a soft cuddly toy.

AFGHANISTAN 1

ALBANIA 40

ANGOLA 50

ARMENIA 302

BANGLADESH 171

BELARUS 131

BOSNIA 100

BOUGAINVILLE 6

BRAZIL 2

BULGARIA 25

BURKINA FASO 164

BURUNDI 12

CAMBODIA 730

CANADA 1

CHERNOBYL 60

CHINA 1579

COOK ISLANDS 5

D.R. OF CONGO 806

EAST TIMOR 830

EL SALVADOR 1

ETHIOPIA 69

FIJI 619

ONO-I-LAU 10

SAVU SAVU 40

8. 31,997 wheelchairs GAZA 656

GHANA 162

INDIA 353

IRAN 22

IRAQ 1949

INDONESIA

JAVA 112

BALI 627

FLORES ISLAND 20

LOMBOK 13

SALATIGA 8

JORDAN 105

KENYA 672

KIRIBATI 122

LAOS 20

LEBANON 507

LIBERIA 181

LIBYA 340

MADAGASCAR 36

MALAWI 166

MALAYSIA 7

MALDIVES 4

MAURITANIA 75

MAURITIUS 45

MOLDOVA 40

MONGOLIA 108

MOROCCO 4

MOZAMBIQUE 99

MYANMAR 1260

NAURU 10

NEPAL 17

NIGERIA 438

PAKISTAN 506

PAPUA NEW GUINEA 1863

PERU 2

PHILIPPINES 578

ROMANIA 131

SAMOA 231

SIERRA LEONE 163

SINGAPORE 1

SOLOMON ISLANDS 244

SOMALIA 332

SOMALILAND 70

SOUTH AFRICA 90

SOUTH KOREA 20

SRI LANKA 2204

SUDAN 52

SUMATRA 22

SYRIA 507

TAIWAN 50

TANZANIA 1559

THAILAND 334

TONGA 16

UGANDA 787

UKRAINE 25

USA –CALIFORNIA DEMO 1

Since 1998

VANUATU 207

VIETNAM 7006

WESTERN AUSTRALIA 5

YEMEN 166

ZAMBIA 408

ZIMBABWE 485

have been given to disadvantaged children around the world.

$55,958.08

METAL RECYCLING UPDATE: Aluminium cans are really great and if you

also have any old aluminium door/window frames, roo bars, engine parts, pots and pans etc

they would be even greater!!! We would love your empty aluminium cans.

No need to separate the ringpulls unless you have your own reasons for doing so.

The aluminium in both can and ringpull has the same value for recycling.

Our very best wishes go to Brother John Rae who is not enjoying good health

at the moment. Brother John has been an extremely dedicated overseer of our

recycling project from which Wheelchairs for Kids has benefited enormously.

His work is being continued by a number of Volunteers led by Steve Pratt who

has now inherited the title “ Lord of the Ringpulls”.