wheelchairs project

ongoing since 2006: 582 wheelchairs distributed

Through two matching grants with Rotary Club Moro Bay, CA. USA, wheelchairs have been provided to individuals who have not left their beds for years and in the worst cases have NEVER been beyond the rooms where they lay. 

Having a wheelchair has made it possible for handicapped Balinese to rejoin the outside world!  And this has changed the lives of not only the individuals receiving them, but their families as well. 

Whole families gathered to be part of the joy of receiving a wheelchair for a loved one.  There were tears and laughter and amazement at this ‘new beginning’ for a family member.  The degree of thankfulness and appreciation from each individual and family simply cannot be described...it was overwhelming!

Wonderful stories have grown from this project, but perhaps the story that most clearly tells of the empowerment that comes with a wheelchair is the one about an elderly man who had been confined to his bed for many years.  One of our club members encountered a huge traffic back up in a village area that is normally devoid of traffic.  Drivers of waiting cars smiled and quietly followed the source of the back up...the elderly man wheeling his way down the road in his new wheelchair! 

The first matching grant gave us 282  wheelchairs that were quickly distributed to immobilized villagers, foundations supporting disabled children, hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, old people’s homes and social agencies with long lists of  people in need.. 

Members of the Rotaract Club of Sanur were a huge help to our club in this first distribution effort. 

The second matching grant gave us 300 wheelchairs and Rotaract Club Bali Ubud helped develop the distribution list by working with village chiefs in more remote locations, insuring that the poorest people were not overlooked.  

The local reaction to this project has been amazing.  Our club is now being approached by people throughout Bali (and the neighboring island of Lombok as well) asking for help.  The Club’s presence in Bali has never been greater and just the mention of Rotary elicits respect and huge smiles. 

We are hopeful that we can continue this work with our California partner club. There is still more to do!

Wheelchair Donation from United in Diversity

When Rotarian Eko received a surprise phone call from Jakarta asking if local people needed wheelchairs, there was no hesitation.  YES!!! 

The call came from United in Diversity, a USA based philanthropic organization that has most lately focused on helping those who cannot walk. 

They quickly shipped 30 wheelchairs directly to Senang Hati, a foundation working primarily with children.  The pictures tell the story!

Huge thanks to United in Divesity!