Wheelchair Foundation

The Knights of Columbus and the Wheelchair Foundation have teamed up to help bring wheelchairs to those who lack freedom of mobility.

Founded in June 2000, the Wheelchair Foundation purchases up to 10,000 wheelchairs a month. Since its founding, the Wheelchair Foundation has given out more than 672,000 wheelchairs. They are distributed around the world with the help of distribution partners including the U.S. government, United Nations organizations, and nongovernmental organizations from the Red Cross to Rotary Clubs, and now the Knights of Columbus.

In 2003, the Knights of Columbus began a working relationship with the Wheelchair Foundation and sponsored 2,000 wheelchairs to be distributed in Afghanistan. Since then, the Knights sponsored the distribution of wheelchairs in the Middle East, Philippines, Mexico, Poland and the United States.

For every donation of $75 the foundation receives, it provides matching funds to purchase a wheelchair for $150. The chairs are shipped, 280 at a time in massive containers, directly to the destination nation; at last count chairs have been distributed in 143 countries at no cost to the recipients.

Councils, assemblies, and circles are encouraged to promote this program to their membership, inviting personal consideration, as well as implementing this as an ongoing charitable event.

Tell Us About Your Programs

Help us improve the Service Program activities offered by the Supreme Council office by sending reports on your council’s successful activities and/or any suggestions you may have on improving our programs. Send this information to Fraternal Services, Service Program Suggestions, 1 Columbus Plaza, New Haven, CT 06510-3326 or e-mail fraternalservices@kofc.org. Please include “Service Program Suggestions” in the e-mail’s subject line.