Wheels To Freedom - Exporting freedom one person at a time

Exporting freedom — one person at a time

Donating a wheelchair provides tangible way to help disabled people abroad

MISSOURI , Lee’s Summit — May 10, 2007 — Wherever you stand on the United States ’ current struggle to export freedom, it’s hard not to admire Randy and Laura Horn’s efforts here at home.

Nine years ago, the couple founded the Kansas City area’s Wheels to Freedom ministry to collect used wheelchairs and mobility devices for disabled children and adults in underdeveloped countries.

“When an individual in a poor country gains mobility, it sets them free,” said Randy, a Lee’s Summit resident. “A donated wheelchair allows someone to live a more independent life, giving freedom to his or her entire family.”

The ninth annual Wheels to Freedom event — June 2, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Lee’s Summit Hobby Lobby parking lot — is a chance to spread the word that a wheelchair collecting dust in your garage or basement could be literally transforming someone’s daily life.

Wheelchairs and collapsible walkers collected at the event are sent to a national ministry, Hope Haven International, Rock Valley, Iowa, which collects, repairs and redistributes the mobility devices — all via volunteers.

Each donor who supplies an address receives details about and a photo of the person abroad who received his or her actual wheelchair.

“As opposed to foreign aid, with all the problems of corruption, this is a tangible way to give something directly to another person,” said Randy. “It can’t be siphoned off by corrupt governments or organizations.”

With the help of corporate contributors, Deerbrook Covenant Church organizes the outreach event, which provides car washes, carnival games, live music, hot dogs, popcorn and drinks — all complimentary to the public.

“We hope people will come, learn more, and tell others about donating a wheelchair,” Randy said. “In a time when America is viewed with disfavor in many parts of the world, when someone receives a wheelchair from a generous person in the U.S., it can’t help but promote good will.”

Fast Facts:

Since 1994, Hope Haven International has distributed more than 56,000 wheelchairs to 101 countries around the world, including Afghanistan , Ecuador , Kenya , Peru , Nicaragua , Ukraine and Vietnam .
Additional information: www.hopehaven.org, www.wheelstofreedom.org
Donors may bring used mobility equipment to the event June 2, at 291 and Langsford Road in Lee’s Summit , or call Randy or Laura Horn to arrange a free pickup, 525-1516.

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