Free wheelchairs to be distributed in NMI

A total of 280 new wheelchairs have arrived on Saipan for free distribution to eligible CNMI residents.

“The goal is to give [a wheelchair to] every child, teen, and adult who can’t afford one. There’s a lot of them here,” said Wheelchair Foundation local coordinator David Ayres.

Ayers, a retired businessman and long-time resident of Saipan, said that he, in partnership with Robert Erickson of UCEDD at Northern Marianas College, began the program in June 2003.

“I first learned about it when Guam distributed free wheelchairs last year. I e-mailed them, contacted some people, then started it here,” he said.

Ayes said the 280 wheelchairs were shipped from a China factory that supplies wheelchairs to the Wheelchair Foundation.

Ayres said the CNMI office had successfully raised $21,000 from local businesses and residents, which was used to pay for half of the total price.

“The other half was paid for by the foundation,” he said.

Among the businesses that made significant financial contributions were Pacific Amusement, Verizon, and Duty Free Shoppers.

Ayres said some of the 280 wheelchairs have already been distributed to some people and agencies. However, most of the equipment remain in the warehouse for distribution this Saturday, Sept. 4.

He said people in need of the equipment should go to the East-West Rental warehouse on Middle Road (near H-Mart) on Saturday beginning at 10am.

He said East-West Rental allowed the local organization to use its warehouse for the purpose. At the same time, he said that AIC Marianas provided personnel to bring the wheelchairs to the warehouse.

Ayres’ group initially listed 150 recipients for the free wheelchairs, leaving more than 100 “extra” pieces for the CNMI.

Rota and Tinian have 25 recipients each so far. The big bulk goes to Saipan.

Ayres said Saipan Shipping has committed to help transport the items to Rota and Tinian, while Cape Air donated tickets so they could be on Rota for the distribution.

So far, the local Wheelchair Foundation has given five wheelchairs to the Commonwealth Health Center’s pediatrics unit, emergency room, and ward.

Yesterday, he said, eight wheelchairs were donated to the CNMI Medical Referral Program for use in Hawaii (six pieces) and Guam (two). Two were donated to the Emergency Management Office. The Man’Amko center will receive at least 18.

Ayers said the wheelchairs are of good quality and are valued at $400 each.

“But we’re not selling it. It’s our way of extending help to our needy people,” he said.

Wheelchair Foundation is an international nonprofit humanitarian group founded by California-based philanthropist Kenneth Behring. The group, which began in 2000, aims to give away 1 million wheelchairs to disadvantaged people worldwide in five years.