Wheelchairs For Kids representatives met with seniors at the centre in Belmont earlier this week to receive 53 care packages to gift to children supported by the organisation.
Thoughtfully hand assembled by a group of around 20 seniors, the care packages comprised a mix of bought and handmade soft toys and blankets.
“It’s so rewarding that Harman Park provides an place for our clients to come together and form friendships,” Harman Park Activity Coordinator Linda Taylor said.
“It’s such a pleasure when clients come to me with items they have made and to see their smiling, proud faces brings me so much joy.
“I also love seeing how these projects are benefiting others in the community.”
Wheelchair For Kids Chief Executive Officer Greg Hebble said the care packages would bring joy to many children supported by the charity.
“Every wheelchair that we provide goes out with a crocheted rug and toy,” he said.
“There is nothing more satisfying than seeing a child with limited mobility, get off the floor and into a chair, giving them total inclusion.”
With the support of more than 800 dedicated volunteers, Wheelchairs For Kids has produced more than 54,000 wheelchairs since its inception in 1998.
The wheelchairs are manufactured at the organisation’s Wangara factory and are now shipped to more than 90 locations across the globe.
Bebby, who has been a Wheelchairs For Kids volunteer for the past 24 years, was humbled by the kind donation.
“All of the teddy bears and rugs are made by people from WA along with a group in Melbourne. I can’t thank those people enough,” she said.
Gifting care packages to community organisations has become a regular act of kindness for the Harman Park Seniors, who have previously donated packages to new parents at King Edward Memorial Hospital and MercyCare’s Family Wellbeing and Fostering team.
Harman Park senior and seasoned crochetier Kerry said they wanted to make a difference in others lives and thought Wheelchairs For Kids was the perfect fit for their next project.
“It’s good to do something that has a purpose,” she said.
“If you’re going to crochet, you may as well crochet for a purpose.”
