Location

We are located in the state of Mexico, about three hours northwest of Mexico City in rural, agricultural, high altitude (8,500) Mexico.  The weather is cool and dry, and the views are awesome.  The people who live in the area are indigenous Mazahuan Indians.  They are poor and humble, yet proud of their heritage, hard working, and dedicated to improve their quality of life.  We are here to help them.

(Yellow Area indicates state of Mexico)

PROVIDING WHEELCHAIRS TO THOSE WHO DON’T HAVE THEM

Previously we collected used wheelchairs throughout the U.S., refurbished them, transported them to Mexico, and gave them to the impoverished people who can’t afford wheelchairs.  Unfoturtunately, with the increase cost of oil, transportation expenses, refurbishing, storage costs, etc., it costs more than $200 per wheelchair to pick it up, refurbish it and send it to Mexico.  In 2011 we have changed our strategy to avoid the excessive costs and to avoid border crossing nightmares that have previously delayed wheelchairs for months.

We have found a company in Mexico that makes quality, durable, dependable every-day wheelchairs, designed to be used in the rough terrain of rual Mexico.  The company also makes crutches, walkers and canes for a very reasonable price.  Presently we are purchasing the majority of our mobility equipment in Mexico.

However, if you have a wheelchair that is in very good condition, that needs no repair, we will gladly receive it, and get it to someon who truly needs it.  We also invite volunteers who join us in Mexico to travel with a wheelchair, crutches walker or cane and personally deliver it.   Also, we are still looking for sports-type, light-weight wheelchairs, as we they are not avabilable in Mexico.  For more iformation contact Richard@WorldAccessProject.org or call World Access Project at (520) 343-4402.

Your life will never be the same once you’ve seen someone’s face  light up as they realize, now for the first time in their life, they have mobility, and you gave it to them.

Camps

Presently we host three major sports camps in Mexico each year.  One  is in the area where we’re based (northwest corner of the state of Mexico), another is in Mazatlan (west coast), and the third is in Puerto Vallarta (south of Mazatlan).  We also host one-day sports exhibitions and recreational camps throughout  the year in various locations throughout  Mexico.  During the camps participants have the opportunity to meet others who use wheelchairs.   They share their experiences, feelings and concerns.  They make new friends, share their lives, help each other, and develop a support system.

Many people who receive wheelchairs, and have been stuck in their houses, have no idea what they can do with their new mobility.   If we don’t teach them, they will continue to sit in their homes – using the wheelchair.   Maybe we have to sit, but we don’t have to sit still!   During the camps both abled-bodied and disabled volunteers help expand their horizons.  We start with the basic recreational, fun activities, show them how to exercise, and teach them sports they never new they could play!  Through these camps many have learned job skills, regularly participate in sports, they have become more independent, and have a better quality of life.

Participants in the camps have excelled greatly in their abilities.   Near our home-base 10-15  people  who use wheelchairs practice tennis weekly.  Mazatlan and Culiacan also have teams who play tennis and other sports.  The best players from Mexico have been sponsored by us to come to the U.S. to play in the  Southwest Desert Classic, an International Wheelchair Tennis Tournament in Tucson, Arizona.  Each player has returned to Mexico with a trophy!

You don’t need to be an athlete or speak Spanish to volunteer in a camp.   You just need to be an encourager, be willing share yourself with others, and have fun!  For more information about volunteering go to our Volunteer Application.  For dates of our upcoming camps go to our Calendar.

Testimonials

Leticia was 17 years old, contracted polio as a baby, lived in a small house on a dirt road located in the middle of a corn field in rural Mexico.  The only time she went anywhere is when one of her family members carried her.  In 1997 Leti received her first wheelchair.  Her beautiful smile and appreciation changed  my life, and I began returning to Mexico every year to give away wheelchairs and teach them how to use them.  Leti now has a full-time job,   she is married and has a two-year daughter   named Cecilia, who calls me ’Abuelito’ (Grandpa).  Richard St.Denis

Marta, was 40 years old and used an old wheelchair with push handles.  After three days of participating in a camp, and receiving a new wheelchair, she learned that she could play sports and be more independent.   At the end of the camp she told us,  “I don’t need push handles on my wheelchair, I can push myself”.

There are many stories like Leticia’s and Marta’s.  Many volunteers lifes have been changed too!  They return year after year to help and encourage those who have so little.  They always return home thinking the received more than they gave.

See How We are Helping

CNN Heroes

Free wheelchairs give new life to rural Mexicans

http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/americas/04/28/cnnheroes.st.denis.wheelchairs/index.html

A caring attitude, a warm smile, and some encouragement is all it takes to make a difference in someone else’s live.

Join us and You will be Blessed Too!