Queenslanders living with a high-level spinal cord injury can thank a small group of committed Brisbane women for 24 vital pieces of equipment that have been generously donated to the Spinal Injuries Association.
WANTZ Committee members and major sponsors with Association Board Member, Vicki Field
By the end of last year, members of the WANTZ Committee had fundraised a staggering $178,000 for the equipment, which includes items such as generators, ventilators, a suction pump, portable hoist with sling, exercise machine with leg and arm trainer, portable shower chair and two portable ramps.
The 24 items are specifically for people with a spinal cord injury who are ventilator-dependent, meaning they require around-the-clock support and need vital equipment such as generators and ventilators in order to breathe.
WANTZ Committee member Dr Joanna Tait said the group decided to fundraise for the Association after one of their close friends sustained high-level quadriplegia and was finding it almost impossible to find suitable equipment.
“When you know someone personally who is ventilator-dependent, you realise the severity of a spinal cord injury and the equipment that is needed every minute of every day,” Dr Tait said.
“Our Committee has been overwhelmed by the support of the community; philanthropy is truly alive and well in our City.”
Formed eight years ago, each year the WANTZ Committee chooses a different health-based charity or institution, and raises funds to buy equipment for that organisation.
Spinal Injuries Association CEO Mark Henley said the difference that the 24 pieces of equipment had already made to members of the Association who required them had been enormous.
“Members with high-level quadriplegia need this equipment to continue to live independently in their homes,” Mr Henley said.
“The tenacity and dedication shown by the WANTZ Committee is to be commended. Without their hours and hours of hard work, our organisation simply wouldn’t have had the means to be able to purchase this equipment.
“The WANTZ Committee has greatly enhanced the lives of people with a spinal cord injury – the number one objective of the Spinal Injuries Association.
“We are sincerely grateful for their tremendous fundraising effort on behalf of our Association – we cannot thank them enough.”
This year the Spinal Injuries Association celebrates its 50th anniversary of supporting and inspiring its members to live independently.
Comments on this entry are closed.