Purpose and Background

The Canadian Wheelchair Foundation (CWF) is an integral part of an international effort to promote awareness and serve the needs of people affected by physical disabilities. The Foundation strives to provide a wheelchair to every man, women, and child who needs one, but has no means to acquire one.

CWF is dedicated to working in collaboration with national institutions in addition to local NGOs in delivering wheelchairs. This partnership allows CWF to provide large scale aid to those who are most in need, while supporting national competency and promoting civil society.

Program Process

The brand new wheelchairs we deliver would retail for over $600 in a medical supply store. They are specifically designed to withstand the harsher conditions in most developing countries. Our ability to buy bulk containers of 100 to 280 wheelchairs from the manufacturer allows us to purchase new wheelchairs at a fraction of the cost. As a result, we are able to deliver a one brand new wheelchair to the country of destination and deliver it to the door of a person in need for $150.

The containers of 100 to 280 wheelchairs are shipped by sea container to the stipulated country. Upon arrival, the container is transported to one of our trusted partners. These partners include a wide range of organizations both local and international, governmental and NGO who are able to import the containers free of duty. Our partners vary based on the recipient state. We maintain this flexibility in order to maximize the efficiency and impact of our wheelchair deliveries. The partnership is decided based on who we feel is capable of distributing the wheelchairs to those most in need while maintaining the security of the shipment, and the integrity of our organization.

Sponsors are able to join in the distribution of the wheelchairs with the help of our partner organizations who often set up specific central distribution days and home visits. These encounters have proven highly fulfilling and life changing for both donors and recipients.

To read testimonials on wheelchair distributions please go to Media.

The donation and wheelchair delivery process is tracked at every stage. Once the wheelchairs have been successfully distributed, confirmation, thanks and a personalized photo graph of a recipient is promptly sent to all sponsors from our headquarters in British Columbia, Canada.

To learn more about Process, please go to Frequently Asked Questions.

Our Commitment to Sustainable Development

The Canadian Wheelchair Foundation/Fondation Chaise Roulante Canada (CWF) is committed to perpetuating sustainable development. While wheelchairs can be categorized as humanitarian aid, they have proven to be a proficient tool of sustainable development in all the communities where we have ongoing programs.

CWF maintains a strong capacity building mandate. The mobility wheelchairs provide makes them an important tool of empowerment. In gaining mobility, persons with disabilities are given an opportunity to integrate themselves into society; by attending school, going to work, and becoming a part of the community. In addressing the needs of the disabled community, and thereby acknowledging their value as citizens, CWF promotes accessibility and integration. The importance of creating a strong civil society is an important step in creating lasting development.

By giving people a means to help themselves through use of a wheelchair, CWF is helping to transform "development aid" into development opportunity.

Wheelchairs Delivered