WEBSTER, N.Y. — Rotarians around the country are proving that the spirit of giving extends far beyond our borders.

Richard Comins is retired, but he is busier than ever. He’s helping others. This Webster Rotarian drives all over Monroe County and beyond searching for and picking up used wheelchairs and crutches.

What You Need To Know

  • Crutches 4 Africa collects and ships mobility equipment to people in need in developing countries

  • 171,000 mobility devices have been distributed for free with help from volunteers and partners

  • Twenty four countries in Africa have received mobility devices

“This is what I have collected here. It's been several trips to Damascus and other places. People have just given me stuff so I’ve just stacked it up here. I have crutches and walkers and canes,” said Comins, as he loaded dozens of wheelchairs into the back of this pickup truck.

He’s got quite a collection of mobility devices that will soon cross continents. All of the dozens of wheelchairs and crutches he has will be shipped to Africa through the non-profit organization called Crutches 4 Africa.

“It was started by a gentleman in Colorado named David Talbot,” Comins said. “When David was a child he contracted polio and now David walks around with elbow crutches. He had gone to Africa on a trip and he saw so many people that needed some sort of mobility advice so David came up with the idea of starting the program.”

Since 2005, with help from volunteers in towns across the country, Crutches 4 Africa has collected, shipped and distributed more than 171,000 mobility devices for free.

“They get it free charge and they have the biggest smiles on their faces,” Comins said. “They are the happiest because they haven’t been able to get around in years.”

The next full shipping container is scheduled to depart Pennsylvania next month for Africa. If you’d like to help with shipping costs or donate any gently used mobility equipment head to Crutches4Africa.org. The non-profit appreciates the help as shipping costs have doubled the last year due to the pandemic.