November: Thankful for Your Giving The Gift of Mobility

PET Bonanza – carts give mobility in Tanzania

“Last week at Neema Crafts, we called 40 people with disabilities from far and wide across the Iringa region to attend a special presentation ceremony of PET carts. We invited the Regional Commissioner, local radio and and newspapers as well as the Chairman of the regional ‘Chama Cha Walemavu’- the govt. department for disability. Some attending (like Ayub, left) had never before had any form of personal mobility and had always had to rely on members of his family to move him around.

“There was an air of joy and excitement in our conference room, as people arrived one by one (some from many kilometres away) and we shared sodas and popcorn together. The presentation began by welcoming everyone to Neema and explaining the work of the centre.

“Time was then spent explaining exactly where the PET carts had originated and we even showed pictures of the construction team in Minnesota. There was a large round of applause when we said that these trikes had been donated and shipped for free by Easter and Trinity Lutheran churches!

“Haruna our disabled ‘fundi’ (or technician) was on hand to explain the important features of the bikes, what could be adjusted and how to use the brakes etc. We then emphasised how to stay safe on the road, after which the SHIVYAWATA Chairman spoke with great enthusiasm about this chance to meet together and show solidarity with other people with disabilities from across the region.

“Finally, it was time to distribute each of the carts. There was quite some interest from passers by and guests in our restaurant as they saw all of these carts being presented.

“The best moment for everyone I think was when we all set out on the road for a parade through town, around the large fruit and veg market, past the police station and post office and then on for a final huzza in the park.”

PET Cart Bonanza (PDF)

“the immobile become mobile” in Malawi

“Give them a chance, and people with disabilities will help to assist in development of the country at many levels of our societies. Seen here are some disabled men and women who recently joined their fellow members in Salima at a road show 4km long to the venue of this important function which was organized by the National Initiative for Civic Education.

“PET has given them mobility and that’s why they are here to make a difference.This was the first time for these men to participate and to vote since they came to this world some 20 or more years ago. Thanks you Von, Delbert with your team from Zambia, Emma and the Global Concern Trust for your hard work in assisting us in Malawi to become mobile fulfilling KODO’s vision of seeing the immobile become mobile.”

George
KODO Malawi
More photos →

God used Mr. Van’s disability

“As part of its special needs work, Orphan Voice in Vietnam partners with The Personal Energy Transportation Project to distribute hand-propelled carts to those who need them. An Orphan Voice worker noticed Van as he walked on his crutches along the road. She struck up a conversation with him, told him about the PET carts and urged him to fill out an application. He was glad to do so.”

Tony Brewer
Director

Father Felix delivers the Gift of Mobility to Noah

November 12, 2014 — This week, Father Felix from the Centro Medico San Benito José Colonia Francisco Morazán was able to finally deliver a long awaited PET cart to Noah, a young man needing mobility in Comayagua, Honduras.

The PET Mobility Project would like to thank all who were involved in this Gift of Mobility.

A new life on all-terrain tires

PET carts help disabled in rural areas

By Emily Wilkins
October 24, 2014 — For five years, volunteers in Bryan built nearly 1,700 carts for handicapped people in third-world countries where terrain isn’t forgiving to wheelchairs. But many of the volunteers had never met the cart’s recipients until Friday.
During a lunch at the First Methodist Church in Bryan, Seun Oke, a 27-year-old from Nigeria, thanked the 200 volunteers in the room for changing the lives of people like her through the carts.Continue reading →