AN international organisation that aims to deliver wheelchairs to the needy, including young landmine victims, has honoured a Peterborough group for its donation.
The Rotary Club of Peterborough has just received a presentation from the charity in recognition of raising £1,000.
The amount was matched twice over through Rotary International, boosting the final total to £3,000 towards the cause.
The Wheelchair Foundation is a non-profit organisation leading an international effort to create awareness of the needs and abilities of people with physical disabilities, to promote the joy of giving, create global friendship, and to deliver a wheelchair to every child, teenager and adult in the world who needs one, but cannot afford one.
The foundation has helped to design and develop wheelchairs which cost only £50 each.
These are practical, robust and functional wheelchairs which, with no electronics involved, are best suited for countries and areas where the need is for reliable wheelchairs which won't break down.
President of the Rotary Club of Peterborough Phil Thompson said: "When our members saw a moving film from the Wheelchair Foundation about the results of its work, particularly in Africa, where so many, particularly children, lose limbs from mines and the fallout of war, we had an immediate proposal from the membership to support the work.
"There was an instant and unanimous acceptance.
"The generous financial support from Rotary International trebled the amount we raised, allowing our club to purchase 60 wheelchairs."
Young African girl Tyler Legodi was delighted to receive one of the wheelchairs paid for by the group.
Mr Thompson added: "Any Evening Telegraph reader wishing to join in the support towards these wonderful £50 wheelchairs can do so by contacting
info@rotary-peterborough.org.uk"
The full article contains 293 words and appears in Peterborough ET newspaper.
