Mobility Disability Products

[Lindsey]

Right - thought I'd mention my business here, if it's ok. I have a mobility/disability shop and sell products for the disabled and elderly. Things like scooters, wheelchairs, riser recliners and various household and personal aids as well as specialised wide fitting shoes.... It's only been going for 8 months and is doing alright - I have a whole new crowd of friends all over 85!!!:smiley9:

[FerrariSucks]

I will give you a call in 45 years time if thats ok with you. We should have floating wheel chairs by then.

[Poison]

I could have done with a scooter when I was in hospital with my broken back..

It would have been fun hooning around on one of those..

[Shayne]

Give us a few more details Lindsey ie website etc

[Nyala]

We have common ground!! One of my nursing jobs is in Aged Care, I use all the equipment for my patients on a daily basis. Some of the equipment is so liberating for the old folk, I wonder how restricted the must have been in years gone by.

[Lindsey]

I find it a very fulfilling business to have. I was always interested in all the equipment and how it functioned as well as having a soft spot for the elderly. I always spoke about wanting to open a business supplying the equipment and helping people out ... so - here I am - out of recruitment and into mobility... I delivered a chair yesterday (in the snow ... ) and the look on the lady's face was priceless ... she was like a kid getting a Christmas present and grinning from ear to ear. The funny thing was the head nurse at the home I delivered it to was from Harare and couldn't believe it when I said hello in shona!!!

[Lindsey]

Oh yes - onto the fun side of the business .... it has been known that we have 'scooter and power chair' races in the courtyard where my shop is... especially when friends come to visit!!! My kids also like to 'test out' the products..... Anyway - if anyone has any method of getting stuff to Zim, I often get stuff like 2nd hand wheelchairs offered to me which I can't resell and would love to send to Zim for the pensioners, but can't get them there!!! I have spoken to the homes in Zim and they desperately need them..... so anyone with any connections with the airlines etc for transport - yell!!!!!

[sally]

your best bet is to talk to the chairman of Air Zimbabwe, most airlines are good when they know they are doing something for charity! Its a pitty emirates doesnt fly to zim, they love doing things like that!! If you do talk to the airline, tell them that you would like to let the local paper know what they are doing, that usually always works, any bit of positive media is good for airlines!! I hope this works out for you, keep us informed!!

[Lindsey]

Thanks Sally for your advice ... will be racking my brains to figure out what can be done... I actually thought about approaching BA coz they fly to Zim... I also think there is some way you don't have to pay duty if it's for charity - so if that's the case it may pay to actually send over a container with stuff.. I had a guy come into my shop today asking if I knew of any charity which would want his grandads old scooter he doesn't want any money - just wants to give it to someone needy ... yip ... was my reply - we have an old zimbo pensioner who lives 12 miles away who would be eternally grateful... I collect it later and will service and then deliver it - am so excited coz I think he will be in his element!!! imagine if I could send all the bits and bobs that people are throwing away to Zim ... the pensioners in Zim would think every day was Christmas!!

[sally]

I think its a fantastic idea, you must let us know how it goes!!

[Bianca]

Awesome ideas gals - would def be interested in the outcome!

[galeforce]

Have you considered approaching Rotary Zimbabwe Lindsey? You have the product, they would probably sort out the legwork and the logistics involved.

I could ask my dad for some contact details if you want some.

[Lindsey]

That would be great ... thanks ... we need to figure out the logistics... I even spoke to one of the charity shops in our town and they get offered things all the time that they 'can't' sell on any longer (health and safety and electricl rules that have come into effect)... Imagine all these throw away items being given to the pensioners in Zim... would make us all feel good hey!!

[Exzim]

Came across this Bulawayo website:

http://www.morningmirror.africanherd.com/smalls/smalls228.htm


WHEELCHAIRS

IS THEIR A KIND AND GENEROUS PERSON WHO IS ABLE TO ASSIST EDITH DULY NURSING HOME BY REPAIRING SOME OF OUR WHEELCHAIRS ?

WE WOULD WELCOME SOME HELP AND HAVE A FEW DOLLARS IN THE KITTY WITH WHICH WE COULD MAKE PAYMENT ?

email magskriel@mac. com

[Lindsey]

Email sent to the address given... thanks!!!

[sally]

how could anyone ask for money to repair thier broken chairs, these poor people in zim are amazing, they still have their dignity!! love them