We want to give a big shout-out to Wheelchairs for Kids, the latest winner of our Best of the West competition! The organisation will receive $5,000 to help continue manufacturing and donating wheelchairs to disabled children all around the world.
Best of the West is a celebration of Western Australia’s difference makers: those using their time, talent and treasure to make a difference in their WA communities. Tune in Sunday 29th January at 6pm during 9News to find out who will be the next Best of the West.
And don’t forget, Best of the West will be wrapping up on Sunday 16 February, with one final winner who will take home an exciting $25,000 grand prize! Also during 9News at 6pm.
If you know someone who deserves recognition, nominate them! All prior nominees, whether or not they’ve won in the past, will be in the running for the grand prize!
Nominate your Best of the West!
Who are Wheelchairs for Kids?
Wheelchairs for Kids is a volunteer-driven, non-profit charity organization based in Western Australia that designs, manufactures and donates wheelchairs to disabled children in 80 countries.
Since its founding in 1998, Wheelchairs for Kids has donated 54,000 wheelchairs globally, including specially fitted wheelchairs designed to withstand rough terrain in places like Afghanistan, Cambodia, Bosnia and Mozambique.
Australian children even get wheelchairs for life.
It’s truly a labour of love, made up of a volunteer force of more than 250 retired men and women who donate their time, sweat and expertise to change lives all over the world.
Workshop manager Ollie Pickett says it’s hard for the organisation to keep up with the demand, and that the $5,000 Best of the West prize will allow them to provide an additional 20 wheelchairs to children who will now get to experience the dignity, mobility and fun they deserve.
We want to extend heartfelt congrats to Wheelchairs for Kids, as well as the other deserving individuals and organisations nominated. If you nominated someone and they weren’t chosen, don’t worry; they’ll remain in the running throughout the duration of this campaign.
Nominations galore
Wheelchairs for Kids have their fair share of supporters who wasted no time flooding us with nominations. Here are some of the best:
‘Brother Ollie Pickett from Wheelchairs For Kids has worked tirelessly for this organisation for over 25 years, organising and overseeing the production of over 54,000 wheelchairs going all over the world.’
‘Wheelchairs For Kids. Since 1998, over 54,000 wheelchairs have been distributed to over 80 countries free of charge. All wheelchairs donated are required to be fitted to the child by a trained person. These adjustable Wheelchairs are made daily by 250 retiree volunteers working 5 mornings per week. In addition, 80 ladies sewing at home make colourful covers for each wheelchair. Also, hundreds of people throughout WA make the colourful knee rugs and soft toys that accompany each wheelchair.’
Previous Winners
September 2022: Proudly Productive
November 2022: Leone Parmenter
December 2022: Chris Minutillo
Help us choose the next Best of the West!
Do you know someone as deserving as Wheelchairs for Kids? Then we want to hear from you!
Maybe it’s the:
- Parent who hosts a children’s book club at the local library.
- Folks who work tirelessly at the local food bank.
- Group of children planting trees for a sustainable future.
- Individual who is suffering from an illness, but still takes time to raise awareness and help others in a similar situation.
Whoever it is, you can nominate them by clicking the button below. Nominate as many individuals, organisations or community groups that you want. Just be sure to explain what makes them so special and why they deserve this award.
How to watch the Best of the West
The next winner will be announced on Sunday 29 January 2023.
What: Best of the West, Sponsored by The Agency and 9News
Where: 9News
When: Sunday 29 January 2023 and Sunday 16 February 2023 (Grand Prize), both during 9News at 6pm
Good luck to all our difference-makers out there. You’re all the Best of the West in our eyes!
Nominate your Best of the West!