Network of Caring is sending an entire shipping container of wheelchairs (550) to Haiti. The nature of earthquake injuries means that many people will now need wheelchairs. So often, in a crisis like this, there is an immediate rush to help. But long term needs can be forgotten and they may be just as critical for survival as the immediate ones. That is why we are sending wheelchairs to Haiti. Without mobility many survivors could languish into a state of inaction and depression that might spiral into destruction. Or they will find some means of getting around like crawling that will potentially be physically and emotionally debilitating. Additionally, a family member can be greatly hindered because of having to assist their disabled loved one. So without mobility, the future of a person and their family might be at stake.

The wheelchair we are using is made especially for life in a third world nation and is constructed by our US partners, Free Wheelchair Mission. Go to www.freewheelchairmission.org for more info about the chair. With mountain bike tires, a resin chair, and light weight but sturdy tubular construction, this chair is ideal. Each chair costs $59.20 so for all 550 it will cost about $33K. If you would like to donate to this initiative go to www.networkofcaring.org and click on the “Investing” tab. I will go to Haiti for the distribution sometime in late April/early May. Let me know if you have any questions.

R.D. Saunders
Chief Significance Officer, Network of Caring
3550 Corporate Way, Suite C
Duluth, GA 30096
770-622-2121, Ext. 248
rdsaunders@networkofcaring.org
www.networkofcaring.org