Program Manual

Wheelchair Program

Sam Szalwinski phone:(210) 496-6310 email: (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)


A wheelchair makes an IMMOBILE person MOBILE! The Knights of Columbus in partnership with the American Wheelchair Mission, raise funds to support the purchase of wheelchairs for distribution worldwide. One wheelchair costs $150. Our Worthy State Deputy has set a goal for each Council to donate at least $150 for the purchase of a single wheelchair.

Councils are encouraged to organize parish wide fund raisers. Seek the pastor’s permission and then advertise the event. Two parishes in the Archdiocese of San Antonio raised a combined total of more than $53,000. All that is required is to publicize the event and then show a DVD of a wheelchair distribution. Introduce the DVD with a few words and after the DVD is shown, advise the congregation that Knights will be located in a designated area to accept donations. As can be seen, the effort required is minimal. WARNING!! There will be a need for Kleenex as the deep appreciation of wheelchairs by recipients will make for a very emotional event especially as they realize mobility, many for the first time in their lives.

When your council shows the DVD as a parish event, you will not only raise funds but you can also recruit new members simultaneously. Emphasize that Charity is being demonstrated as the first principle of our Order.
If it is not possible to conduct a parish wide fund raiser, then Grand Knights should direct efforts to be certain to meet our Worthy State Deputy’s goal of donating a minimum of $150 toward the purchase of one wheelchair.

A small container of 110 wheelchairs cost $16,500. A council that raises this amount may choose the location for distribution. All arrangements for procurement and distribution are managed by the American Wheelchair Mission.
Make checks payable to the American Wheelchair Mission and mail to:

Sam Szalwinski
1914 Margate
San Antonio, TX 78232.

Doing so provides for tracking the progress of this ministry. Checks will be forwarded to the American Wheelchair Mission promptly.