Free Wheelchairs

Wheelchairs are expensive, and it is often those who need them most that are least able to afford them. According to the World Health Organization, there are at least 100 million people worldwide who are unable to afford wheelchairs. Fortunately, it is possible to get a free wheelchair if you know where to look. The following organizations focus on providing wheelchairs for the less fortunate. For as little as $71.00 you can donate two wheelchairs.

The Wheelchair Foundation
http://www.wheelchairfoundation.org

Founded by Kenneth Behring in 2000, the Wheelchair Foundation aims to give a free wheelchair to any child or adult in need of one. The Wheelchair Foundation also works to promote awareness of those who are physically disabled. The free wheelchairs are purchased from a variety of manufacturers and delivered in mint condition. Although the free wheelchairs are designed to suit the rough terrain of third-world countries, they are available in the United States and other developed nations.

Free Wheelchair Mission
http://www.freewheelchairmission.org

Free Wheelchair Mission is devoted to offering mobility to the physically disabled. The humanitarian organization has strong Christian roots and its members and employees demonstrate their faith every day by providing free wheelchairs to adults and children worldwide. As of May 2011, Free Wheelchair Mission had provided over 575,000 free wheelchairs to 80 countries. The free wheelchairs were designed by Dr. Don Schoendorfer and are well suited to rough terrain. An academic study of the free wheelchairs revealed that 199 of 200 wheelchairs were still functional after 18 months of use.

Lifenets Wheelchair Project
http://www.lifenetswheelchairproject.org

Lifenets Wheelchair Project is kind of like a Freecycle website for free wheelchairs. The online database encourages transactions between those wishing to donate used wheelchairs and anybody in need of a free wheelchair. While the Wheelchair Foundation and the Free Wheelchair Mission provide brand-new wheelchairs, most of the wheelchairs exchanged on the Lifenets Wheelchair Project have been used. However, these chairs may be better suited to those living in the United States as they are not specially designed for third-world countries. Additionally, it is often possible to find a power wheelchair through the Lifenets Wheelchair Project.

Chariots of Hope
http://www.chariotsofhope.org

This nonprofit organization puts used wheelchairs to use by donating them to those in need. Every used wheelchair is repaired and inspected before being distributed. The funding required for fixing up used wheelchairs comes from a variety of generous sponsers. By recycling used wheelchairs, Chariots of Hope aims to give the gift of mobility to the millions of bedridden children and adults worldwide.