We are delighted to share the success of our first Move for Mobility initiative to raise funds for our partner Free Wheelchair Mission to help them provide wheelchairs to people in need.

Recently, our CEO and President of Invacare, Geoff Purtill, flew to the Dominican Republic to join Nuka Solomon, CEO of Free Wheelchair Mission, and local partner Moises Sifren, CEO of El Buen Samaritano Hospital. Together, they worked with the teams to assemble and distribute wheelchairs to some of the most remote communities in the region.

These communities face extreme poverty and lack basic services such as running water and electricity. The difficult terrain, lack of infrastructure and with no access to mobility, makes residents further isolated.

One of the highlights of this trip, was when Geoff met 84-year-old Elgad, who received his first ever wheelchair. Elgad, who has been bedridden for many years, lives in an isolated village with his family. Despite his condition and many challenges, he has shown remarkable resilience.

Receiving the wheelchair changed Elgad's life, giving him new-found independence and dignity. When he went outside in his wheelchair for the first time, just feeling the sun and breeze gave him immense joy. His gratitude was a powerful reminder of the importance of the Move for Mobility initiative.

Geoff told us, “The field trip to the Dominican Republic was an amazing opportunity to see the impact of giving mobility to those in need. Many of the chair recipients were in the bateyes where there were very few facilities. The chairs will not only help the recipients, but their families as well. There was an overwhelming sense of gratitude from everyone, that makes one realize how much we, in the developed countries, take for granted. Free Wheelchair Mission has a great program of giving back, and as a partner, Invacare commits to supporting their efforts long into the future.”

Thanks again to everyone who took part and supported our Move for Mobility initiative. Let's continue together Making Life's Experiences Possible®.