Free Wheelchair Mission Announces Continued Partnership with World Vision

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Free Wheelchair Mission
Free Wheelchair Mission

Free Wheelchair Mission has been partnering with World Vision to distribute wheelchairs since 2003. The partnership has included 33 containers of Free Wheelchair Mission wheelchairs being distributed in 19 countries where World Vision works. Currently containers are en-route to Rwanda and Zambia. These containers will serve as the third consecutive container for each country within the partnership with World Vision.

The need for wheelchairs in both Rwanda and Zambia are high. Concerns in Rwanda continue from the fallout from the genocide, malnourishment and poverty – with more than 60% of people living below the poverty line. Half of all Zambians are unemployed resulting in more than 85% living at or below the poverty line. Children and adults also suffer malnutrition and a widespread HIV and AIDS pandemic which continues to sweep the country. Reed Hartley, Executive Director of FWM, reflects on the partnership with World Vision, “This is such an important relationship for FWM. World Vision shares our passion to help those who cannot help themselves. With risk for disability from Cerebral Palsy, Spina Bifida and trauma very high in both countries, we are proud to strategically align ourselves with World Vision to serve ‘the least of these’ in these two countries in Africa.”

Since 2001, Free Wheelchair Mission (FWM) has provided more than 734,000 wheelchairs to persons with disabilities living in poverty in 91 countries around the globe. Free Wheelchair Mission performs service throughout Africa with nearly 18% of wheelchairs delivered there last year. The containers of wheelchairs destined for Rwanda and Zambia will both be a full order of FWM’s GEN_2 wheelchairs. GEN_2 is the latest evolution of the organization’s wheelchair concept featuring additional adjustment points and sizing options for users requiring augmented postural support. It received FDA clearance in March 2012 putting it on par with any product sold in the United States.

About World Vision
World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families, and their communities worldwide to reach their full potential by tackling the root causes of poverty and injustice. Working in nearly 100 countries around the world, World Vision serves all people, regardless of religion, race, ethnicity or gender. www.worldvision.org

About Free Wheelchair Mission: Free Wheelchair Mission is a humanitarian, faith-based 501(c)(3) organization that seeks to “provide the transforming gift of mobility to the impoverished disabled in developing countries, as motivated by Jesus Christ.” Wheelchairs are distributed fully-assembled free of charge to recipients and are given regardless of race, gender, religion, or ethnicity. Since 2001, Free Wheelchair Mission has provided over 734,000 specially-made wheelchairs to individuals with disabilities in 91 countries around the world. They provide not only mobility, but share the gifts of dignity, independence and hope. www.freewheelchairmission.org

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