Russian and U.S. Rotary Clubs Succeed: Wheelchairs to Russia

April 2004

Overcoming complicated Russian Customs regulations and skepticism on both sides of the world, the Rotary Club of La Crosse, Wisconsin and the Dubna, Russia Rotary Club worked together to help Russians in need of wheelchairs but unable to afford them.

During the week of April 18th, La Crosse Rotarians and Vladimir Todorovic, of the Wheelchair Foundation joined members of the Dubna, Russia Rotary Club to deliver 240 new wheel chairs to handicapped individuals in Dubna, Russia. This was the first shipment of wheel chairs that have been cleared by Russian customs officials, thus allowing this type of humanitarian aid.

The project was a joint effort with the Wheelchair Foundation, which is a nonprofit organization leading an international goal 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. Working with local Rotary organizations, the Wheelchair Foundation matches every $75 raised locally, which supports one wheel chair.

The Foundation distributes wheelchairs in many countries, but had not been able to ship to Russia until this group of citizens became involved. Mutual efforts by Rotarians in both cities, and support of the Wheelchair Foundation accomplished what many predicted would not be possible – the delivery of 240 new wheel chairs to those in need in Dubna, Russia.

Facing the challenge of the wheel chairs clearing the Russian Customs maze, in early 2002 La Crosse Rotary member Sandra McCormick initiated work with Vitali Ulianov, Director of the Dubna, Russia Customs Office and Sergei Riabov, Director of the Dubna City Health Department to overcome the barriers. As a result of the project’s success, Dubna officials are already working to arrange support for other groups interested in delivering wheel chairs to communities in Russia.

According to Bill Hoel, Chairperson of the Rotary Club of La Crosse Wheel Chair Committee, raising the required $18,000 local share was an intense short three week process. A major lead gift from the La Crosse Rotary Foundation, individual contributions from the members of the Rotary Club of La Crosse and funds from the La Crosse Sister City group quickly provided the required funds. He explained the quick response: "We all know that La Crosse is a generous community and this is another example of what are residents are willing to do to help others"

By raising $18,000 La Crosse was able to send an entire container of 240 certified new wheel chairs, ruggedized to stand up in conditions around the world which are less than perfect.

For more information, please contact Vladimir Todorovic (vtodorovic@wheelchairfoundation.org), Bill Hoel (bhoel@rwbaird.com) or Sandy McCormick (smccormick@wslax.us)