FREE WHEELCHAIR MISSION ANNOUNCES IT’S 2004 “ Gift of Transformation” HOLIDAY CAMPAIGN
25,000 Wheelchairs Donated to the World this holiday season More Than Doubling Last Christmas’ Efforts

SANTA ANA, CA [November 2, 2004]—Free Wheelchair Mission, the Orange County based non-profit organization, committed to providing the transforming gift of mobility to the physically disabled poor in developing countries, plans to raise funds this holiday season to distribute 25,000 wheelchairs.  This goal exceeds last year's goal of 10,000.   The nonprofit group’s long range goal is to distribute 20 million chairs by 2010 to the estimated 100 million people worldwide who cannot afford one. Free Wheelchair Mission will begin its campaign in India where they will dedicate and distribute 1,100 free wheelchairs on December 3, in honor or the United Nation’s International Day for the Disabled.  The week of December 13-17 will be Celebration Week, where volunteers around the country host parties to raise awareness in their area.  During this time, Free Wheelchair Mission will post photos of these events along with a continuously updated status of the campaign progress on their website, www.freewheelchairmission.org. “We have gotten such an incredible response in the past year, but we still need more help to reach our goals,” said founder of Free Wheelchair Mission,  Dr. Don Schoendorfer.  “This gift has a lasting effect. It changes their feeling about life and shows them someone cares for them,” said Schoendorfer.  These unique wheelchairs are cost effective and extremely durable, providing mobility for individuals located in sometimes rough and undeveloped terrain. Another key advantage of the chairs is their cost, $41.17, which includes shipping and distribution.  Most wheelchairs today cost anywhere from $150 up to $30,000.  “We all may not remember what we got for Christmas last year, but trust me, those who will receive our wheelchairs  will remember this gift for the rest of their lives,” added Schoendorfer. To learn more about Free Wheelchair Mission, visit www.freewheelchairmission.org. For media opportunities with Don Schoendorfer, President and Founder of Free Wheelchair Mission, please contact Brett Trowbridge, Marketing Advisor, at (714) 931-7443 or 59brett@cox.net.