Free Wheelchair Mission Announces First Container of Wheelchairs Ordered for Samoa

Irvine, CA, September 20, 2013 --(PR.com)-- Free Wheelchair Mission’s first container (550 individual units) of wheelchairs were placed on order for Samoa. FWM’s Executive Director, Reed Hartley notes, “although Samoa’s tsunami in 2009 was four years ago this month, the effects of the devastation are still felt deeply throughout the Oceania nation.” Of the population considered living in poverty, many have faced economic hardship from losing their possessions and livelihoods. It is estimated that nearly 20% of the population live below the national poverty line and do not have the means to purchase themselves a wheelchair or other mobility aid. By partnering with a local organization, Samoa Victim Support Group Inc., to distribute the wheelchairs, Free Wheelchair Mission supports the efforts being made to serve the Samoan population in need.

Since 2001, Free Wheelchair Mission (FWM) has provided more than 700,000 wheelchairs to persons with disabilities living in poverty in 88 countries around the globe. Free Wheelchair Mission performs service throughout Oceania with nearly 1% of wheelchairs delivered there in the last year. The container of wheelchairs destined for Samoa will be a full order of FWM’s GEN_2 wheelchairs. GEN_2 is the latest evolution of the organization’s wheelchair concept featuring additional adjustment points and sizing options for users requiring augmented postural support. It received FDA clearance in March 2012 putting it on par with any product sold in the United States.

About Free Wheelchair Mission: Free Wheelchair Mission (FWM) is a humanitarian, faith-based 501(c)(3) organization that seeks to “provide the transforming gift of mobility to the impoverished disabled in developing countries, as motivated by Jesus Christ.” Wheelchairs are distributed fully-assembled free of charge to recipients and are given regardless of race, gender, religion, or ethnicity. Since 2001, Free Wheelchair Mission has provided over 700,000 specially-made wheelchairs to individuals with disabilities in 90 countries around the world. They provide not only mobility, but share the gifts of dignity, independence and hope.