Wheelchairs for Ukraine
Brother Knights,
I received a request from the Past State Deputy of BC & Yukon, Brother Edward Shawchuk. Brother Edward is now the Financial Officer of the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Toronto & Eastern Canada. In the past he participated in a wheelchair distribution in Ukraine, and knows, firsthand, the profound impact we can have in the lives of those who have lost their mobility.
The Knights of Columbus has been partners with the Canadian Wheelchair Foundation since 2003, under the umbrella of the Global Wheelchair Mission. This program provides aid to those who lack the freedom of mobility in our communities and around the world. Whether Councils are presenting wheelchairs to local veterans and neighbors in need or donating funds to benefit those abroad, mobility brings with it independence and dignity. Obtained at discounted prices, our wheelchairs change the lives of their recipients. Working with our partner, The Canadian Wheelchair Foundation, is a perfect opportunity to put our faith into action and help the people of Ukraine affected by the war. The people of Ukraine suffer and they need our help.
There will be no shortage of people in Ukraine, including our brother Knights and their families who will benefit greatly from our wheelchairs. We would like our Councils to work with their Pastor for one Special Collection to raise funds to purchase wheelchairs for the victims in Ukraine. The cost of one wheelchair is $195 Canadian. Best time to have your Special Collection would be a week in May of this year which is the month of Mary, our Lady of Peace.
All funds received under this initiative should be sent to the Knights of Columbus Ontario Charity Foundation. The total amount received will be used to purchase wheelchairs through the Canadian Wheelchair Foundation and will be distributed by the Knights of Columbus in Poland to victims of the Ukraine War. Please send all donations received to the State office by cheque payable to the Knights of Columbus Ontario Charity Foundation. You can also donate online by credit card using the Ukraine Canadian Wheelchair Program donate button.
We have prepared a poster (click poster in English and poster in French) that can be distributed at mass and placed on the website of your parish and Council. We ask that you advertise this project so that together we can bring relief and make a difference in the lives of the victims of Ukraine. We also have a three-minute bilingual PowerPoint presentation of our recent Panama campaign that can be downloaded from our site and played at the beginning of mass o help promote the wheelchair program.
Let’s all get together and do something to bring a bit of joy to the people of Ukraine that have suffered and lost so much. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact our State Community Director Mario Duguay, at 613-841-3993 or by email at marioduguay.kofc@gmail.com or communitydirector@ontariokofc.ca.
We would like to finalize the purchase of the wheelchairs in June because the wheelchairs are badly needed. We ask that you discuss the proposal with your pastor as soon as possible.
Vivat Jesus!
Marcel Lemmen
State Deputy
ACHIEVED so far
$61,000
Our GOAL $60,000
♥♥♥
Thank you to all the donors who have supported this project.
Because of your generous donations,
you helped us achieved our goal and
have reached over $61,000.
We need about $15,000 to cover the cost of the shipping.
We can make a profound impact in the lives of those who have lost their mobility in Ukraine. There will be no shortage of people, including our brother Knights and their families, who will benefit greatly from a wheelchair.
Join us in supporting
WHEELCHAIRS FOR UKRAINE.
Check donation payable to
Knights of Columbus Ontario Charities Foundation
Please indicate that the donation is for
“Wheelchairs for Ukraine”
Mailing address:
Ontario State Office – Knights of Columbus
“Wheelchairs for Ukraine”
393 Rymal Rd. West, Suite 201 Hamilton, ON L9B 1V2
Check donation payable to
Knights of Columbus Ontario Charities Foundation
Please indicate that the donation is for “Wheelchairs for Ukraine”
Mailing address:
Ontario State Office – Knights of Columbus “Wheelchairs for Ukraine”
393 Rymal Rd. West, Suite 201 Hamilton, ON L9B 1V2
History
Since 2003, the Knights of Columbus have sponsored the delivery of tens of thousands of wheelchairs to people in need all over the world, showing exemplary compassion, generosity, and dedication to bringing mobility to those in need.
Councils, parishes or individuals are able to sponsor entire containers to the country of their choice. Wheelchair Sunday parish drives are held in churches across the country and have sponsored thousands of wheelchairs to far away places, as Sierra Leone and Vietnam.
Knights and their families themselves travel to get involved in a life changing hands-on mission that allows children, teens and adults around the world to have their prayers answered with the gift of hope, freedom, dignity, independence…a wheelchair!
Our Commitment to Sustainable Development
The Canadian Wheelchair Foundation/Foundation Chaise Roulante Canada (CWF) is committed to perpetuating sustainable development. While wheelchairs can be categorized as humanitarian aid, they have proven to be a proficient tool of sustainable development in all the communities where we have ongoing programs.
CWF maintains a strong capacity building mandate. The mobility wheelchairs provide makes them an important tool of empowerment. In gaining mobility, persons with disabilities are given an opportunity to integrate themselves into society; by attending school, going to work, and becoming a part of the community. In addressing the needs of the disabled community, and thereby acknowledging their value as citizens, CWF promotes accessibility and integration.
The importance of creating a strong civil society is an important step in creating lasting development. By giving people a means to help themselves through use of a wheelchair, The Knight of Columbus in partnership with CWF is helping to transform “development aid” into development opportunity.
For more information please contact Community Director Mario Duguay: communitydirector@ontariokofc.ca or stateoffice@ontariokofc.ca or call 1800-759-0959.
Gallery
Wheelchairs distribution in Panama.
