Wheelchairs for Kids is a not-for-profit organisation that manufactures from scratch to be distributed to children in Australia and globally. It is staffed by around 800 retiree volunteers who operate the factory production, as well as test and fit out the wheelchairs and make associated items, such as knitted rugs and toys.
A project of the Rotary Club of Scarborough Western Australia, and which is supported by the Christian Brothers, Wheelchairs for Kids has a range of private and government supporters, and it also encourages community groups to host fundraising activities. Flyer printing is often used to promote such fundraisers.
Credited with growing the initiative from its early days and, more recently, with securing and overseeing the organisation’s move to a single major factory in Wangara, Hudson highlighted the health benefits that he sees the organisation bringing its volunteers through activity and purpose. His main driver, though, has been the impact on the wheelchair recipients. Speaking to Perth Now, he said:
“We don’t come here for accolades – just the look or smile on the child’s face when he or she sees the wheelchair.”
Wheelchairs for Kids estimates it has produced over 46,000 wheelchairs for more than 90 local and international locations since 1998. Though Hudson is retiring, he will remain a board member.