The Coudersport Rotary Club continues to make a meaningful impact beyond its local community through its ongoing support of a wheelchair initiative in Tanzania. Rotarian Ronnie Shenkein, together with the Coudersport Rotary Club, recently purchased additional locally manufactured wheelchairs for individuals with physical disabilities living in communities surrounding Serengeti National Park.

The project is a partnership between Environmental Education and Conservation Global (EECG), a nonprofit organization, and Peace for Conservation, with the goal of providing 100 wheelchairs to people in need. The initiative not only improves mobility and independence but also strengthens educational opportunities and wildlife conservation efforts throughout the region.

The Coudersport Rotary Club’s connection to EECG is through Ed McCrea, President and CEO of Environmental Education and Conservation Global, whose leadership and commitment to conservation and humanitarian efforts have helped the club become an active supporter of this meaningful international project.

Many of the wheelchairs are hand-pedaled and are built locally, making them both affordable and easy to repair within the community. Supporting local manufacturing also contributes to the area’s economy while ensuring long-term sustainability for wheelchair users.

The Coudersport Rotary Club is proud to be part of this life-changing initiative and is committed to supporting the project each year. By helping provide mobility to those with disabilities while encouraging conservation and education, the club is living Rotary’s motto of “Service Above Self” and making a lasting difference in communities around the world.