Food For The Poor launches wheelchair distribution programme
FFP officials as they presented a wheelchair to a citizen on Thursday.
FFP officials as they presented a wheelchair to a citizen on Thursday.

FOOD For The Poor (Guyana) Incorporated in collaboration with the Free Wheelchair Mission of the United States of America (USA) launched its third Wheelchair Distribution Programme on Thursday.

The distribution was conducted by the Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Centre, the Palms, St. Francis Developers in Berbice, Linden Hospital Complex, the Suddie Hospital in Essequibo and FFTP. Persons in need of wheelchairs can contact Ms. Hyacinth Massay, Ms. Barbara Lawrence, Mr. Alex Foster, Ms. Bollers or Ms. Donella Drakes, Dr. Sonia Gray and Mr. Compton Giddings respectively of the various organizations mentioned above

While those in need of wheelchairs are able to receive them at no cost, the name, address, copy of their identification card and a most recent photograph displaying the disability of the person in need or a recommendation from a doctor must be submitted to the various entities to verify their authenticity. Persons collecting wheelchairs on behalf of those in need are also required to walk with some form of identification.

FFP also distributes Personal Energy Transportation (PET) carts and electronic wheelchairs to those in need to assist with their mobility. Mr. Michael Abrams on receipt of his PET cart said “I will cherish this until I die.”

The Free Wheelchair Mission was founded by Laurie and Don Schoendorfer in 2001 as a faith-based, non-profit humanitarian organisation; it has over the years been able to provide wheelchairs for the impoverished disabled in developing nations. The collaboration which began in 2015 saw a total of over 1000 wheelchairs being distributed across the country and over 500 more are expected to be allotted to those in need this year. There are two types of wheelchairs to be distributed; the GEN2 which is not collapsible and the GEN3 which is collapsible. The recipients of the wheelchairs have expressed gratitude and thanks to FFP. The wheelchairs provide comfort and enable users to be mobile; to visit relatives, friends and health clinics in their communities.

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