As a Wheelchairs for Kids volunteer, Lois Moir travels around the world fitting wheelchairs for children and training locals in developing countries. She has made trips to countries including the Philippines, Mongolia, Kenya, East Timor and Vanuatu.
Before she retired, Lois was an occupational therapist and worked for many years with children and people with disabilities. Along with several of her colleagues in the health field Lois was involved with setting up a charity to deliver therapy in Vanuatu, and through that charity she became involved with Wheelchairs for Kids. Lois has now spent over ten years with Wheelchairs for Kids, travelling overseas and sharing her expertise with the locals so they can use the wheelchairs sent to them. "Each child is unique, each child needs the wheelchair set up differently. So [the locals] need to learn about that… assessing the child… and then the wheelchair is multi-adjustable, so they need to learn how to adjust the chair to suit the needs of the child," said Lois.
The wheelchairs produced by Wheelchairs for Kids adjust as the children grow older. They provide crucial postural assistance, supporting the child's body, head and feet. One of the largest group of children they see is those with cerebral palsy, who often can't sit up on their own.
Unfortunately, many children in under-resourced countries cannot access the supportive equipment they need. This is what makes Lois's volunteering so important.
"If they didn't have a wheelchair, they'd probably just be sitting stuck at home, maybe lying on the ground on a coat, blanket or mattress," said Lois, "They can't go to school, possibly can't go out with the family, so they're left at home all day, maybe with grandparents.
"So the wheelchair makes a world of difference. Really does. I remember in Morocco, we had fit a child [into a wheelchair], and he sits up in his chair and his sister was there, and they're eye-to-eye. It was probably the first time they'd been sitting eye-to-eye with each other."
Another success story that Lois recalls is fitting a 21-year-old with one of their wheelchairs. Typically, Wheelchairs for Kids provides wheelchairs for children aged from roughly five to twelve years of age, but when a 21-year-old who couldn't sit up was brought to her during a trip to Vanuatu, Lois knew they had to help.
"I said, 'Oh dear, I'm not sure if we can fit this child in the chair', but about five hours later, we managed it. We fitted the chair, just for him. He was sitting up, he was very happy, but his dad, he was a very big, strong man. And he was in tears.
"He never dreamed his son would be able to sit up in a wheelchair… Now, instead of staying at home all day, he was going to be able to get out and see the village." said Lois.
One year later, Lois revisited the village and saw the 21-year-old again. He was "doing really well" and "his posture had improved slightly", thanks to her volunteer work and the team at Wheelchairs for Kids.
Travelling to developing countries can be difficult, but for Lois it's an opportunity to experience the countries in a unique way.
"I don't necessarily see the country from a tourist perspective. I'm right on the ground with the families. I might have some hospitality in their homes, so yeah… it's like a bit of an inside look. Not just flying around enjoying the best of the country and seeing the polished bits," said Lois.
When asked what the best part of her volunteer role was, Lois said it was the smiles on children's faces when she fits them with a wheelchair. "Just knowing that you're making a world of difference… And not just for the child, but the family, and the community as well. Particularly if the child is living in a small village and everybody's lives are intertwined. Everybody's affected."
Lois recommends volunteering, especially to those who have retired.
"It's worthwhile. You can make a difference to people's lives… and I think that's what gives me value in life. It certainly did when I was working and it still does."
Lois's years of generosity and her commitment to children in need across the world have changed the lives of many. We thank her for volunteering her time with Wheelchairs for Kids, and hope her story inspires others to follow in her selfless footsteps.
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