The Wheelchair Foundation is a nonprofit organization leading an international effort to create awareness of the needs and abilities of people with physical disabilities, to promote the joy of giving, create global friendship, and to deliver a wheelchair to every child, teen and adult in the world who needs one, but cannot afford one. For these people, the Wheelchair Foundation delivers Hope, Mobility and Freedom.

Description:
The Overwhelming Need For Wheelchairs
It is estimated that over 100 million people with physical disabilities worldwide need wheelchairs, though less than 1 percent own or have access to one. The number of physically disabled is likely underestimated, due to the difficulty in accounting for "forgotten" citizens who spend their lives hidden from sight.

In many developing countries, the only way for a person with physical disabilities to be mobile is to crawl along the ground or be carried by family or friends. An all to common reality is that many people stay in bed or the corner of a room for years at a time.

• People require the use of a wheelchair for many reasons: accidents, birth defects, war injuries, debilitating diseases and advanced age.
  
  
• One of the most horrific causes of disability worldwide can be attributed to landmines or unexploded ordinance (UXO). According to the World Health Organization (WHO), every year, more than 29,000 people are injured by landmines or UXO around the world. This number does not include unreported cases, or those that are killed by the explosions.
  
  
• It is estimated that the number of people who need wheelchairs will increase by 22 percent over the next 10 years, with the greatest need existing in developing countries.
  
  
• The wheelchairs provided by the Wheelchair Foundation are purchased in bulk, and designed to be the best possible solution in developing countries. They cost on average $150 each, delivered by a 280-wheelchair container, and are offered free of charge to those most in need



History:
The establishment of the Wheelchair Foundation marks the most recent chapter in Kenneth E. Behring’s philanthropic efforts to improve the lives of disadvantaged people around the world.

During his years of travel around the world, Ken has made it his personal mission to help those in need. His donations of food, medical supplies, clothing, toys and educational materials have helped people in some of the most impoverished nations on earth. His first-hand involvement has given him a realistic picture of how much help is needed worldwide.

In 1999 Ken donated shipments of wheelchairs to relief organizations in Eastern Europe and Africa. His personal contact with the recipients gave him a greater understanding of how much hope and happiness can be given to a person who receives a wheelchair. In the following months, he traveled the world delivering wheelchairs to numerous countries. On June 13, 2000 (His birthday) the Wheelchair Foundation was established at a ceremony in Washington, DC.

Since June of 2000, Ken has tirelessly traveled the world delivering tens of thousands of wheelchairs to the disabled citizens of five continents. The relationships he has developed with world leaders have led to a greater awareness of the needs and abilities of the physically disabled, and are a great force in propelling the mission of the Wheelchair Foundation. In 2002, Ken was awarded an honorary doctorate by Brigham Young University for his worldwide charitable efforts.

Ken and Patricia, his wife of 57 years, reside in Blackhawk, California. They have five sons and ten grandchildren.

“When I see the happiness in the eyes of the people who get a wheelchair, I feel that this is the greatest thing I have ever achieved in my life.” – Kenneth E. Behring



Contact people:


Tiffany Camacho, Administrative Assistant, (phone), (email) Tara Vineyard, Administrative Assistant, (phone), (email)


Office fax number: (925) 791-2346

Address:


3700 Blackhawk Plaza Cir. Danville, CA 94506 (See a map)


Web Site: http://www.wheelchairfoundation.org

Directions:

From 680-N Take the BOLLINGER CANYON ROAD exit. Turn RIGHT onto BOLLINGER CANYON RD. 2.4 miles Turn LEFT onto DOUGHERTY RD. 1.1 miles Turn RIGHT onto CROW CANYON RD. 0.8 miles Stay STRAIGHT to go onto BLACKHAWK RD. Turn RIGHT. . . (more)

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