Wheelchair Mission Update

Father Stephen Ingram getting a hug and a kiss from a little girl in Oaxaca, Mexico.

Below are the Wheelchair Mission activities since the last Texas Knight edition.

In August, Mary Immaculate Council 5052 in Farmers Branch held their 5th Wheelchair Drive and raised $26,006 for 173 wheelchairs, which is $9K more than last year.Thanks to Dallas Diocesan Deputy Roy Rabenaldt for coordinating their drive again this year.

In September, St. Pius X Council 14568 in Dallas held their first ever Wheelchair Drive and raised $23,662 for 157 wheelchairs. Thanks to Brother Knight Eduardo Valenzuela for coordinating the drive, reading the pulpit talk at all the masses and helping to collect donations.Their funds were used towards the purchase of a large container of 280 wheelchairs for the CRIT Center in Durango, Mexico.

Sacred Heart Council 10646 in Rowlett held a Wheelchair Drive and raised $6,082 for 40 wheelchairs, with their funds also being used for the Durango container.Thanks to Brother Knight John Hardin for all his efforts.

St. Andrew Kim Council 17146 in Irving also held their first ever Wheelchair Drive and raised $17,918 for 119 wheelchairs.Thanks to Brother Knight Dr. Greg Jeong for his leadership in coordinating the drive, reading the pulpit talk at all the masses and helping after all the masses.Their funds were also used towards the large container of wheelchairs for the CRIT Center in Durango, Mexico.

St. Mark the Evangelist Council 6065 in Plano, held their 2nd Wheelchair Drive and so far we have received $5,140 for 34 wheelchairs. Thanks to Field Agent Charlie Minjares for all his efforts in coordinating the drive. Their funds will be used towards a large container of wheelchairs for the CRIT Center in Chihuahua, Mexico.

In October, Prince of Peace Council 11716 in Plano provided a large container of 280 standard wheelchairs and 100 specialty wheelchairs for the Oaxaca, Mexico CRIT Center.Those making the trip to help distribute about 60 wheelchairs at the CRIT Center and to five homes were Prince of Peace Associate Pastor Father Stephen Ingram, Wayne & Rusty Adams, David Carr, Mark & Marty Dama, Jim & Lillian Kowalski, Dick & Lorraine Leyendecker, Dan & Monique Stoffel, Bill & Elaine Weber and Steve & Kathleen Welsh.

St. Ann Council 11721 in Kaufman held their first ever Wheelchair Drive and they so far raised $2,500 for 16 wheelchairs.Thanks to Field Agent James Speelman for all his efforts in coordinating this drive.

As of October 31st, the state of Texas has raised $138,919 for 926 wheelchairs.The Wheelchair Mission goal for 2019-2020 is to raise $500K to provide 3,333 wheelchairs.In order to reach that goal, we need your Councils to step up and help with this mission by holding a Wheelchair Sunday or some other fundraiser at your parish.Wheelchair Sundays not only help provide wheelchairs for those in need, but they are also a great way to recruit new members for your Council.Please see the report below that shows Texas By Diocese and the Top 5 Councils in State of Texas.

At the very least, we hope that your Council is aware of this program and would at least donate $150 for one wheelchair, which is the state goal of our Worthy State Deputy Mark Evans.Please email me your donation details, but mail checks and forms to Dan Moberg, American Wheelchair Mission, 2600 E. Seltice Way, Suite A172, Post Falls, ID 83854-7991.Also, please be sure your Council Number and Diocese is on your checks, so that your donation will be properly credited.

If you have any questions about getting a drive started at your parish or anything else, please contact me via email at yankeesweb@tx.rr.com or cell at 214-405-8023. Thank you and God bless you Texas Brother Knights.