Just wanted to share another way you can help

Whirlwind Wheelchair helps Haiti

SF State's Whirlwind Wheelchair program is preparing to send rugged wheelchairs to earthquake survivors in Haiti. The chairs will assist thousands of people injured in the quake who now have lasting mobility impairments.

"A disaster of this magnitude often leaves as many permanently disabled as it kills," said Marc Krizack, executive director of Whirlwind Wheelchair. "We will help as many people as we can."

In operation for more than 20 years at SF State, Whirlwind Wheelchair designs and builds rugged, low-cost wheelchairs for developing countries. Whirlwind's factory in San Juan del Rio, Mexico, is producing a rush order of Whirlwind's RoughRider wheelchair. Emergency relief expert George Heake has described the RoughRider model as an ideal wheelchair for Haiti after the earthquake. The chair uses off-road bicycle wheels and wide front caster wheels for easier travel through mud and over uneven and broken surfaces.

Visit Whirlwind Wheelchair's Web site to make a donation toward wheelchair distribution in Haiti: www.wheelchairsforhaiti.org. Whirlwind is also seeking volunteers who can help promote their cause on Facebook, for more information contact keoke@whirlwindwheelchair.org