Free Wheelers raise funds

Press, Volume CXII, Issue 33064, 3 November 1972, Page 5

Free Wheelers raise funds

Concern about the welfare of those in wheelchairs is growing, as is the increasing road-accident rate. Two years ago, a group of Christchurdch women with young families decided to express their concern in practical terms. They formed the Free Wheelers, led by Mesdames R. P. Williamson and W. L. F. Utley.

Of the 10 women, several, including Mrs Williamson, are members of the Paraplegics’ Association. "We decided to give our friendship some purpose by extending our interest in the Paraplegics’ Association into a more tangible form of fundraising,” Mrs Williamson said yesterday. “We are all mothers, and are acutely aware that at any second a member of our family circle could, through an accident, become a paraplegic. “Because participation in sporting activities plays an important role in the rehabilitation and community integration of paraplegics, we decided to channel our funds towards helping to provide sports equipment for the rehabilitation hostel which will be established,” she said. “Over the last two years,

our friends and the women of Christchurch generally have by their support of our annual events—a luncheon and a gold tournament—enabled us to raise $BOO. “It is heart-warming to know that we can continue these functions, and that paraplegics from all over the South Island, and the southern part of the North Island, will derive benefit from the availability of these sporting facilities during their hospitalisation,” Mrs Williamson said.