A ceremony to recognize the contribution of aquatic wheelchairs to Esquimalt Parks and Recreation by the Kiwanis Club of Esquimalt was held this morning at the Esquimalt Recreation Centre. Mayor Barb Desjardins and local Kiwanis President Beulah Addicott were in attendance.
“We are so lucky to have Kiwanis support in our community,” said Mayor Desjardins. “This financial contribution makes a real difference in the lives of so many of our residents, and removes access barriers to participation in recreation.”
Kiwanis provided $5000 for the purchase of the two specialized chairs, which make pool access and exercise possible for individuals with mobility challenges. In the past year the 20-member Esquimalt Kiwanis has donated approximately $25,000 and 900 volunteer hours to a variety of community projects aimed at improving lives. Worldwide, more than 600,000 Kiwanis members in 96 countries invest more than 6.2 million hours and $100,000,000 for service projects in communities annually.
“Our mandate is to serve the children of the world, and that means all ages,” said Addicott. “But to do our work we must raise money through different projects.” Locally, the group raises funds through annual Christmas tree sales/chipping and a garage sale.
The Township of Esquimalt is committed to accessibility and inclusiveness and is assisted in this commitment by Esquimalt’s Access Awareness Committee and a July 2009 accessibility audit of the community. The audit identified issues and opportunities to improve accessibility and inclusion for people with disabilities.
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Ritchie Morrison, Communications Coordinator
Tel: 250-477-5381