When she isn’t studying or hard at work as a junior engineer in her hometown of Ottawa, Free Wheelchair fundraiser Abeer can be found dog sledding, playing soccer or volleyball, learning French, or just trying to stay warm in this chilly northern region. Recently, while pursuing an interest in the biomedical applications of engineering and researching wheelchair design, Abeer discovered the Free Wheelchair Mission … and the rest is history. She became an immediate supporter – you can check out her on-line fundraising page at www.firstgiving.com/ottawa .

“Honestly, I’m usually a skeptic,” said Abeer,” but I was really pleased to see that Don Schoendorfer was a mechanical engineer, which was my undergraduate major as well. His wheelchair is such an awesome solution.” Abeer added,” It begs a brilliant idea to beat his $44.40 design!”

Abeer decided to support the FWM effort while pursuing her own interest in wheelchair design – this fall, she began her master’s degree in engineering with a focus on biomedical applications. “I wanted to focus on problems that are of significance in the world,” she said.

Originally from Iraq, Abeer has lived in Canada for the last 10 years, and still finds herself passionate about global problems and concerns. She made a decision to fundraise for the impoverished disabled overseas, saying that “if we are able to walk to work every morning, we can definitely buy a wheelchair for somebody else.” She is actively courting the business and corporate community to join her efforts, and has already enlisted the Canadian financial group Scotiabank to make a generous donation. 

“Thanks to Scotiabank.They were my first donor!” Abeer said.  “I plan on approaching other corporate sponsors and holding public collections days.” Abeer reflected on the importance of every donation. “Whether it’s a dollar or a hundred dollars, they add up.”

“And every $45 will get a wheelchair!”

Check out Abeer’s webpage at www.firstgiving.com/ottawa . For more information on setting up your own fundraising page for the Run, Walk and Roll for Mobility 2007, contact Vanessa Ryan, Marathon Coordinator, at (949) 273-8470, x213, or e-mail her at vryan@freewheelchairmission.org.