Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many people need wheelchairs but cannot afford one?
A: It is estimated that at least 100 million children, teens and adults worldwide need a wheelchair but cannot afford one. Some international organisations believe that the number could be as high as 6% of the population of developing countries. The number in Angola is 20% of population of 12 million people. Other "landmine, Bosnia, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Sierra Leone and Mozambique have extremely high physical disability rates With the improving quality of life in some countries the need of the elderly can not be catered for..
Q: Where are the wheelchairs manufactured?
A: We purchase wheelchairs from a manufacturer in China that build a quality product designed to be easily maintainable in developing countries.
Q: How much does a wheelchair cost?
A: We can purchase and deliver a wheelchair to our distribution partners worldwide for an average of £75 or €90. This wheelchair would normally cost £350 in the UK, but the large quantities that we purchase allow us to deliver each one for roughly £75, by a 100 to 280 wheelchair sea container.
Q: How much do I have to donate to deliver a wheelchair to a physically disabled person?
A: £75 or €90 helps purchase, ship and deliver a new wheelchair to a person in need and supports the mission of Wheelchair Foundation UK. To sponsor a container of 100 to 280 wheelchairs, please see our Fund Raising page
Q: How do you decide who gets a wheelchair?
A: We distribute wheelchairs worldwide through a network of Non-Governmental Organisations (NGO's) that have ongoing humanitarian relief missions in the countries of wheelchair destination. The major partners are the Rotary Clubs. These distribution partners handle all aspects of the importation and distribution of the wheelchairs to children that can now go to school, adults that can now go to work and seniors that can once again become an active part of family life and society.
Q: Can I designate which country I want my donation to go?
A: We collect donations and then send containers of 100 to 280 wheelchairs each to our distribution partners in countries that have been identified as in great need. For sponsoring a container, you can pick a most developing countries just contact us with you wishes and we will try and oblige. info@wheelchairfoundationuk.org
Q: How will my donation be acknowledged?
A: All donations receive an acknowledgement. For every £75 or €90 donation, or more you will receive a personalised certificate of appreciation with a colour photograph of a wheelchair recipient, a person who had their quality of life greatly improved by the gift of a wheelchair.
Q: Are these wheelchairs designed for rough, third world conditions?
A: Yes. The wheelchairs that we distribute are specifically designed for the rough conditions of developing countries. Extra heavy wheels, tires, and front casters, sealed bearings and nylon seating make these wheelchairs the best possible solution for most conditions.
Q: How can I help?
A: You can help in the following ways:
- Your Gift Aided donation can make the difference between people wanting to live or die.
- Get the word out! Tell your friends that you are now a part of the most ambitious relief mission of its kind in the history of our civilization!
- Have a fund-raiser! A dinner or tea party in your home can serve as a venue to tell people about helping others. Local businesses, organisations and schools can all help. We will supply everything you need to help us change the world.
- Corporate Sponsorship. Help us find corporations that have interests in countries that need our help. We can target their sponsorship to specific countries and needs, and we will put their logo on the wheelchair identifying them as sponsors of an entire wheelchair container. They will be heroes, and so many people will be given a new lease on life.
Q: How can I attend a Wheelchair Foundation distribution?
A: Please visit the Fund Raising page of our web site by clicking here.
