The Journey to Our Involvement in the Wheelchair for Kids Project

After attending the 9820 District conference in 2022, President-elect Lyn Cassar developed a keen interest in the Wheelchair for Kids Project. Inspired by her enthusiasm, IPP Robin Noakes sought out the WFK team at the Melbourne International Convention in May 2023. This endeavor proved to be highly productive, and Robin acquired a chair for the Rotary Club of Moe to use in promoting the project.

   
Having a chair to demonstrate its features during presentations has been a game changer. The chair "speaks for itself" and serves as a powerful ambassador in its own right. Accompanied by visuals on a short slideshow, the Rotary Club of Moe set out to promote President Lyn’s project for the 2023/2024 year.
 
An initial target of 10 chairs was quickly surpassed. In the first year of 23/24 the club managed to buy 26 chairs. Early in 2024/2025 Rotary year a Wheelathon at Albert Street Primary school raised enough to buy another 14 chairs. Another 6 chairs were raised at a Club fundraiser in December.
 
We are well on track to reach the 2024/2025 target of 25 chairs.
 
Robin has recently been invited to join the Wheelchairs For Kids team on the East Coast. He is one of 3 Volunteer Victorian Coordinators, 2 in Melbourne, with Robin covering the Gippsland Region.
 
The honouring of Wheelchairs For Kids co-founder, Brother Oliver Pickett, as 2025 Senior Australian of the Year has shone a spotlight on the WFK cause. The Prime Minister is planning on visiting the workshop in Perth. 
To listen to Oliver's speech go to:  https://youtu.be/NmOnq4OAkYY?si=NgAimLUPYiTntMyA
 
We want to make a difference in the lives of mobility impaired children and their families around the world.
 
Put simply "To get kids up out of the dirt".
 
If you would like to support the Rotary Club of Moe, please scan the QR code and make a tax-deductible donation.
   
To find out more about Wheelchairs for Kids please visit the website: Wheelchairs for Kids | Children's Wheelchairs | Home