Overview
The Knights of Columbus and the American Wheelchair Mission have teamed up to help bring wheelchairs to those who lack freedom of mobility.
The American Wheelchair Mission purchases wheelchairs in bulk and delivers them by sea containers around the world.
They are distributed with the help of numerous non-governmental organizations, Rotary, Lions and Kiwanis Clubs, and now the Knights of Columbus.
In 2003, the Knights of Columbus began participating in the American Wheelchair Mission and sponsored 2,000 wheelchairs to be distributed in Afghanistan. Since then, Knights in the U.S. and Canada have sponsored the distribution of more than 70,000 wheelchairs in Argentina, Colombia, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Guatemala, Haiti, the Holy Land, Jordan, Mexico, Morocco, Oman, Panama, the Philippines, Poland, the United States, Canada and Vietnam.
In February 2016, the Knights held a wheelchair distribution event outside the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City. That occasion marked a major milestone in Order’s charitable giving: 50,000 wheelchairs distributed through the partnership with the American Wheelchair Mission.
Every donation of $150 sponsors a brand-new wheelchair (which would cost over $500 in a medical supply store).
Wheelchairs are shipped in containers of 110 to 280, directly from the factory to the destination countries at no cost to the recipients.
Councils, assemblies, and circles are encouraged to promote this program to their membership, inviting personal consideration, as well as implementing this as an ongoing charitable event.
What is a Wheelchair Sunday?
- A weekend-long parish drive to raise money for wheelchairs
- We speak at each mass after the homily & show a 3-minute video
- A second collection is taken
- Your council gets all the credit for spearheading the effort
- A wonderful recruitment tool that shows parishioners the charitable work Knights are involved with
How to Plan a Wheelchair Sunday
- Determine council’s interest in project
Providing wheelchairs for the poor abroad, or for veterans here at home is a noble cause to get behind. - Receive your pastor’s blessing
Since our presentation takes place during the mass, it’s important that the pastor is on board with the event format. - Choose a weekend to host us
We will travel to all parishes within the United States to put on these events. - Have your Grand Knight contact us
We are happy to answer any logistical questions! Please email your council’s plan to Dan Moberg: dmoberg@amwheelchair.org. - Arrange for council’s KofC table
Many parishioners will be interested in membership after our presentation. Gather some volunteers & Form-100’s!
American Wheelchair Mission
American Wheelchair Mission
Please contact Dan Moberg at dmoberg@amwheelchair.org or visit www.amwheelchair.org