Mandeville Red Cross Raising Funds for Wheelchair Service

The Jamaica Red Cross Mandeville branch is seeking to raise funds to provide wheelchair accessible transportation for physically challenged persons in Manchester.

The service will assist the elderly, stroke and accident victims and other persons with mobility challenges. It is the major project of the Mandeville Red Cross for 2016.

Speaking at the fundraiser dinner held on Saturday (May 28) at the Golf View Hotel, Governor-General, His Excellency, the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen, welcomed the initiative.

Urging the public to support the fundraiser, he said the service will help army veterans residing at Curphey Home and give a sense of independence to people going to church, sporting activities, community functions, hospital or the doctor.

“It will help to create a better psychological effect for residents, who may be accustomed to an ambulance providing this kind of service,” he noted.

Public Relations Officer for the Mandeville Red Cross, Michael Walker, told JIS News that the group identified the need for the service after receiving several calls for ambulance assistance from persons, who required wheelchair transportation.

“We believe this service is necessary because we have too many people who are physically challenged, who cannot carry on with their lives because there is no one to take them around. They require a service like a taxi that will take them to their destination and come back for them,” he pointed out.

Mr. Walker noted that there are six nursing homes in Mandeville and surrounding areas that would require a service of this nature.

The estimated cost to purchase the first unit to commence operation is US$45,000.

The vehicle will be operated by the Jamaica Red Cross and services will include transportation to and from work, places of worship, business errands, airport, sporting events and other activities.

The branch will provide free service for those who are unable to pay, including residents of infirmaries and private homes, Curphey Home, as well as for accident scenes.