Every year, Tabs for Wheelchairs collects and recycles tabs from drink cans and uses the proceeds to purchase a specialized wheelchair for someone in need. In June 2016, a wheelchair was presented to Jessica Rempel, who was born with spina bifida and nerve damage to her lower spine. The wheelchair is helping Jessica to live a more independent life.
Next year’s recipient, Delaney Kolowca, is a Grade 10 student at St. Boniface Diocesan High School who has Gorlin syndrome, a genetic condition that increases a person’s risk of developing tumours. At the age of 12, Delaney had 17 jaw tumours removed. The following year, more than 120 skin cancer spots were removed.
Delaney was also born with scoliosis, which affects the curvature of the spine. After an unsuccessful surgery on November 10, 2014, she became paralyzed from the mid-chest down and spent nine months at the Children’s Hospital. Receiving a wheelchair will greatly improve her mobility.
Many local schools and businesses accept tab donations throughout the year, including Niverville Elementary School, Country Snacks, Niverville Bigway, Gabrielle-Roy in Île-des-Chênes, Ecole Île-des-Chênes, and Ecole St. Adolphe.
Tabs for Wheelchairs is also supported by St. Boniface Bag, which supplies them with tab bags free of charge; Reimer Express Lines, which transports the tabs; and Western Scrap Metals, which recycles and purchases the metal.
Tabs for Wheelchairs is operated by Holy Cross School in Winnipeg as part of its community outreach program.
