District 6250 has played a vital role in assisting Rotary clubs and districts around the world to bring positive change. One notable example is the Global Grant WALK VAN for D3850 in the Philippines, showcased in the photos here, which has consistently served many Filipinos in need.
Initially, proponent Rotary Club of Forbes Park (D3830), aimed the Global Grant Walk (RY 2018-2019) at providing assistance to 60 patients without limbs. However, due to the pandemic, only 16 patients received prosthetic legs. Faced with logistical challenges in transporting patients to and from the city, the committees adjusted their original plan and requested Rotary International to allocate the remaining funds for purchasing a van. Thanks to generous contributions from the host Rotary clubs and Friends of Rotary in the Philippines, the Walk Van was realized.
Currently, it is operating in the Mindanao area, continually providing hope and transforming lives through our local partner, Tzu Chi Foundation in Zamboanga City.
Jose Elcamel (solo photo above), a 51-year-old amputee since 1997, waited 27 years for a prosthetic limb after a fishing accident. Living in a remote area and unaware of assistance from Rotary and Tzu Chi Foundation, he couldn't afford a prosthetic. Excited to learn about the Jaipur Foot Prosthesis program, he hopes to walk again and find a job to support his wife financially.
The Van travels across Mindanao as needed to serve hundreds of patients requiring leg treatments. However, it faces logistical challenges due to mountains and difficult terrain in certain areas, we learned that many patients traveled approximately 10 hours to access the free prosthetics offered by the Tzu Chi Foundation, with support from their local Persons With Disability Affairs Office (PDAO) officers. Despite facing difficult circumstances, they were undeterred by the long journey, motivated by their deep yearning to walk again.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our local partners for sustaining and maintaining the Rotary Walk Van. Your generosity has transformed countless lives and creating a lasting impact in our communities. The Rotary Global Grant initiative in this region also promotes peace and goodwill!
The clubs involved in this transformative Global Grant project included the Rotary Club of Jefferson, Rotary Club of Lake Mills, Rotary Club of Fort Atkinson, and Rotary Club of Stoughton and a District Designated Fund (DDF). It was under the leadership of then Governor Edwin Bos, facilitated by Admin Megs Lunn, when the inaugural Rotary Friendship Exchange (RFE) took place between D6250 and D3850.
