I learned about W4H through my job and every since then I have been back several times to volunteer. Not only is the location convenient to my house but just a great org all together.
Starting as a grass roots organization, UCP Wheels for Humanity still shows in the dedication, hard work and humbleness of the leaders and staff. It is superbly run, with all emphasis placed on helping those who have medical conditions that prevent them from moving around on their own. The orgainzers, leaders and staff are not concerned about becoming rich. They know that so many people around the world do not have access to rehabilitation and mobility equipment that will help them participate in their communities. Many disabled children and adults spend their time lying in bedrooms. One of UCP Wheels for Humanity's strengths is the ability to inspire volunteers to help with gathering discarded wheelchairs, refurbishing them and packing them to ship to those in need. In country partners in other countries are required to identify those in need, organize a distribution with all the logistics that is required. I have personally seen this in action in Hanoi, Viet Nam; Uganda; Costa Rica; Nicguara; Mexico; and other countries. The dignity this mobility equipment provides to parents and and their disabled child brings tears and a feeling of accomplishment unmatched anywhere else.
Review from Guidestar
I am a long time and frequent volunteer for UCP Wheels for Humanity. I am a therapist that specializes in seating the disabled in wheelchairs.
Bringing mobility to the disabled is an inarguable worthwhile need. Disabled persons in economically poor regions of the world usually have even less resouces than the nondisabled of that region. Many times the disabled in these regions are literally confined inside the home to a bed, sofa or mat on the floor.
Review from Guidestar
UCP Wheels for humanity is a tremendous orginazation that collects donated wheelchairs from end users, suppliers and manufacturers, refubishes the equpment and sends them to developing countries around the world. Without this group many people would be left without equipment and continue to crawl around on the ground or be stuck at home without the ability to get out in the community or attend school.
I have been on 6 trips with them and have seen first hand what this group offers people. I have seen the joy and smiles on their faces as they receive their equipment. I try and do 1 trip a year and will continue to do these trips for as long as i am able to. I pay for my own airafare. As a supplier i obtain donated equipment from my customers to donate to Wheels and the clients are grateful to donate their old equipent knowing that it is going to a good cause.
As the economy is struggling Wheels needs as much help as they can get through financial donations to continue to do the great work they are commited to doing.
Review from Guidestar