RIVER FALLS – Last summer the River Falls Rotary club loaded 291 pairs of crutches, wheelchairs, walkers, canes, boots, braces, slings, and knee scooters into a huge rented truck to start their trip to Africa. The River Falls Rotary club joined with 13 other local clubs and shipped almost 2,800 individual items to Zambia.

The Rotary’s success was made possible in collaboration with Crutches 4 Africa, who aim to provide life-changing mobility aids to individuals in need across Africa. Millions of people face mobility challenges due to injury, illness, or disability, yet many lack access to the equipment they need to move independently.

River Falls Rotary is proud to support this effort, recognizing its dual impact—promoting climate and social justice while keeping valuable medical equipment out of landfills.

From 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 16, the River Falls Rotary collected 20 pairs of crutches, several walkers, a couple of wheelchairs, and a few canes at Ptacek’s Family Market, 1121 S. Main St., River Falls.

From 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 23, the River Falls Rotary will be collecting more medical mobility items at M Health Fairview Clinic, 319 S. Main St., River Falls. Can we beat the amount collected on May 16? Rotary is ready!

Rotary will also pick up devices if you’d prefer them to come to you. Email riverfallsrotary@gmail.com or call 715-441-2663.

The River Falls Rotary is always ready to welcome new members and visitors. If you are interested, you can email riverfallsrotary@gmail.com. The club meets at Ezekiel Lutheran Church, 202 S. Second St., River Falls.

“River Falls Rotary – People of Action. Enhancing Opportunities for Youth; Creating a Better World for All.”

Submitted by Cheryl Maplethorpe