We had a great learning experience at Kampong Senang Holistic Fair on Sunday (1 June).
I met and had a jovial talk with Mr. Eugene Tan, who heads Wheels Of Hope project, a subsidiary under Kampong Senang Mobility Aids Services & Training Centre. I later found out that the humble Mr. Eugene Tan is the recipient of Rotary Club's "Unsung Hero" award for their "Shine on Singapore for Unsung Heroes" event 2008.
Wheels Of Hope repairs and polishes used wheelchairs with the help of Mr. Eugene Tan's volunteer work force (of which 70% are women!). They repair used wheelchairs which would otherwise be thrown away, and hope to sell the recycled "good-as-new" wheelchair to those who need it. Presently, the wheelchairs are loaned out for free to needy people who are referred to Wheels Of Hope by hospitals.
A bubbly Mr. Eugene Tan appreciates the hard work of his volunteers and has been organising Volunteer Training & Nature Bonding Obstacle Course for them and their families at Bedok Reservoir (see picture).
For those who need and can afford to buy a wheelchair, the purchase of recycled wheelchairs from Wheels Of Hope not only help defray their overheads like rental of premise, utilities and other operating costs, it will also be a positive move towards earth conservation by not creating more waste, as many people get new wheelchairs and then throw them away or chuck them aside to rust when they no longer need it.
According to a handout by Kampong Senang Charity & Education Foundation, from 2006 to May 2008, Wheels Of Hope had benefited 909 people and an estimated expenses of S$72,000 per annum.
If you would like to know more about Wheels Of Hope project, you can visit their workshop at:
Blk 254 Tampines Street 21 #01-464 (10 min walk from Tampines MRT & Bus Interchange)
or contact Mr. Eugene Tan at 9692 1924 / 6783 9023
Email: wheelsofhope@kg-senang.org.sg
