PET CARTS (Now call mobility Carts)
Disability is difficult in first world countries. In third world countries it is even more so. The lack of resources often means their mobility is restricted.
Mobility Carts (previously known as PET CARTS) are hand “cranked” wheel chairs. They are manufactured and distributed by Mobility Worldwide, a nonprofit organization located in the USA (http://mobilityworldwide.org/).
The purpose of the Mobility Carts is to provide the “gift of mobility & dignity” to those in developing countries who are unable to walk”. Since 1994, more than 50,000 wheelchair carts have been built by Mobility Worldwide and distributed throughout the world.
(Please note: Mobility Worldwide recently changed its name and logo and was formerly known as PET International: PET was an acronym for Personal Energy Transportation.)
In 2014, we received and distributed our first 5 Mobility carts. In follow up visits, we found that the carts were not only being well used, but very suitable for the terrain as they were durable. In 2016, we have, through Mobility Worldwide, arranged and received an additional 21 carts in Togo. These carts have been distributed.
Feedback from the users indicated a desire to have some kind of assist device, helping the users “pedal” their way around as the paths are rough and hilly requiring additional aid. This assist device would provide the user with more independence.
Project Goals
— initial goal –> to receive and distribute MOBILITY Carts to persons in need in Togo on a regular basis
— updated goal: –> to not only receive and distribute MOBILITY Carts to persons in need in Togo on a regular basis, but to champion an “assist device package” for the MOBILITY Carts (a proposal has been put together with the consent of Worldwide Mobility. We are currently searching “engineering” students and or others to investigate the projects possibility.)
Financial Cost
Estimated project costs:
— to ship one Cart to Togo from the USA cost $200.00
— cost of the development of an assist device for the carts is unknown.
Mobility Cart Stories
For stories on the Mobility carts in Togo click here (stories of 3 recipients, blog dated August 2014), click here (2015 Spring Newsletter (summary of the 5 recipients) – the summary is halfway through the newsletter), click here (summary of 7 recipients Fall of 2017)
For stories on most of the recipients of the Mobility carts, highlight Support (Prayer, Financial, Projects), then highlight Mobility Carts (PET Carts), then clinic on Mobility Cart Recipients.
Project status
Project is currently on hold until we return to Togo.