September 2001

August was a busy month! Here are some of the highlights:

  • We placed our first order for 500 wheelchairs! We expect to see the first sample in September and take delivery of the wheelchairs by 1 November!
  • We started development of a footrest for the wheelchair. We are currently investigating the alternative designs and hope to include it in the next build of wheelchairs.
  • 43 wheelchairs were shipped to Chennai, India in conjunction with the Faith Bible Fellowship of Raleigh, NC. These chairs along with other donated items were combined to fill one container- the first that the Faith Bible Fellowship has sent to India. Clearing customs in India is a challenging experience requiring persistence and patience; while we expect it to be several months before the wheelchairs reach their recipients we are undaunted.
  • 43 wheelchairs were also shipped to Angola in conjunction with Bright Hope International of Hoffman Estates, IL. The wheelchairs were shipped along with other donated material and will arrive in several weeks. Bright Hope International is quite experienced in delivering material to Angola and we look forward to having those wheelchairs in use before Christmas.
  • Our web site is up and running thanks to Mr. Scott Lydiard. It is our hope that this will be a means of reaching out to others interested in helping improve the lives of the poorest of the poor and keeping current supporters updated on our efforts to provide wheelchairs to the poorest of the poor at no cost.

Wheelchair Status

  • The four wheelchairs placed in service in Chennai, India in February continue to improve the quality of life of its recipients!
  • Each chair is performing well, after six months of daily use. We find this most encouraging!

Organizational Status

Our first Board meeting will be held 10 September; highlights of the meeting will be posted in the next newsletter.

Until next time, keep us in your thoughts and prayers as we try to provide wheelchairs to the poorest of the poor around the world.