Hope Haven West is staring down invoices (right now) for more than $540,000 - expense for more than 2000 pediatric wheelchairs for disabled kids.   Sounds like a lot of money (it is a lot of money) but, think of what is being accomplished. 

When we add the complex wheelchairs that are donated to Hope Haven West for refurbishing and distribution to the equation - that easily spells more than 3000 kids who are receiving the gift of mobility.  Sweet kids - Innocent kids - kids who through no fault of their own got the short straw and were born in a part of the world that leaves them tucked away in a back room, carried to appointments by their abuela, or worse yet - crawling through life (literally), trying to survive.

Partners in Central Mexico include around twenty disabled wheelchair mechanics (themselves in wheelchairs) who are assembling the Hope Haven Kids Chair - and who have participated in multiple Hope Haven West distributions - honing skills in specialty seating for disabled kids.  Hope Haven West is also in community with Rotary Clubs throughout Mexico who provide assistance, coordination of projects, assembly of volunteers and identification and support of disabled individuals and their families in receiving specialty fitted wheelchairs.

Last week I reviewed over 300 solicitudes (applications) for kids to receive wheelchairs in Chiapas (poorest state in Mexico - deep south, borders Guatemala).  No specific dates dialed in as of yet, but we are targeting the last of May for this project - stay tuned…  Chiapas will be part of a marathon distribution in southern Mexico that will result in the gift of mobility for more than 600 recipients!  Dust off your passports - keep current on your pilates and yoga classes - this one will test your mettle…

Still waiting for custom clearance for Peru - confidence is high. We have penciled in March 15th through the 22nd - will keep you posted (expect to get this container on the water before the first of the year).   Hold the Press - as I am writing this newsletter - this minute - I have received the green light for Peru - customs cleared - smoke on the water / fire in the sky… Woo Woo!

Additional projects are in the works - dates of distributions TBD (will keep you posted).

Wanna help?  

One option is to volunteer for an international service adventure with Hope Haven West in 2025.  All volunteers pay their own expenses (including yours truly).  Proud to report that Hope Haven West has many volunteers who have accompanied us on multiple trips (5 /10 / 20 - and more) so - we gotta be doing something right!  Honestly - I am not surprised - participating with a Hope Haven West service project may be the most rewarding thing you have ever experienced.  Each year Hope Haven West is joined by more that 100 volunteers who participate (at their own expense) in a service project, providing mobility to the disabled in the developing world.

Throw some shekels at us!  With over a half million in invoices (not counting the shipping) we can obviously use some partners.  Accountability is sterling - No Salaries, No Administrative Expenses, No Fundraising Expenses - Every dime (shekel) goes directly to providing the gift of mobility to disabled kids.  Good Juju my friends.  

Sponsor a student (or young professional) to assist with a Hope Haven West project.  We continue to attract seating specialists who need assistance covering expenses to participate in International Projects.  Your designated gift provides opportunity for gifted young mechanics to employ their talent in assisting disabled kids around the world.

Join the benevolent throng of Hope Haven West supporters in placing your logo on this years poster.  Each year Uncle Lonny’s Birthday Bash represents our primary (and only) fundraising effort.  Join us - Uncle Lonny threw his wallet into this enterprise years ago - never looked back - no regrets.   Each individual or business contributing $1000.00 / $2500.00 / $5000.00 gets name (logo) on poster, tickets, VIP treatment, social hour and other recognition.