Crutches, walkers on way to Africa
MARS — More than 500 pairs of crutches, walkers and wheelchairs that otherwise would have ended up in landfills are now on their way to Africa due to a Rotary International satellite club project.
On Saturday, members of the Rich-Mar Rotary Satellite Club spent the day organizing the items, the result of a six-month service project through the Crutches4Africa program. The program aims to help those suffering from mobility issues due to polio, loss of limbs and other issues by providing devices.
According to club member Cindy Fleeson, collection barrels were placed at various sites in Mars, Cranberry Township, Zelienople, Butler, Pine Township, Richland Township and Ellwood City.
In total, they collected 320 pairs of crutches, 180 walkers, six wheelchairs and 30 walking boots — items members said otherwise would have been thrown away.
The project was the largest undertaking for the satellite club thus far, officials said.
According to Bill Ruhe, satellite club chairman, the group is different from the regular Rotary club in that it focuses on projects. Meetings are not held as frequently and the goal is to create a roster of members who are willing to take on similar projects in the future.
He said the requirements are simple: people who want to do community service and have time to do so.“We're happy to have somebody (who) says, 'I'll join, I won't go to a meeting, put my name on a list and when you need manpower, give me a call,'” Ruhe said. “It's laid back community service.”Officials added that they also are willing to take on projects in which members are interested, and are open to suggestions.Next on the agenda for the club is the 35th annual Mars Applefest, which the satellite club will be taking over from the main organization. This year's event is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 5 in downtown Mars and will feature food, crafts and entertainment.For more information on the club, contact Fleeson at cfleeson@gmail.com.
