Community
7 March, 2025
Mobi Chair rides the waves
THERE was added cause for celebration at last Saturday’s Disabled Surfers Association (Warrnambool) session thanks to the local Kiwanis group.
For the very first time, a new Mobi Chair took to the water, giving eager participants who may otherwise be unable to swim, the opportunity to ‘ride the waves’ in safety.
Last year, after consultation with Luke Robertson from the Disabled Surfers Association, members of Kiwanis Warrnambool applied for a grant for the chair through Are-able and its foundation, and were recently notified of their success.
The chair arrived several weeks ago, however, its official launch was delayed until last weekend due to earlier unfavourable weather conditions.
“We were just as excited as the surfers were to see the chair in the water and being enjoyed,” Kiwanis Warrnambool secretary, Diane Riordan said.
“The total cost was around $5,900 of which we received a grant for $5,000 and we raised the remaining amount.
“We do a lot of Bunnings barbecues and other fundraising efforts – as well as being a social club for members and friends.”
The surfing association will now work towards raising money to purchase a portable beach track which can be placed on the sand to make wheeling the chair (and other equipment) to the water’s edge that little bit easier.
Kiwanis Warrnambool has been active in the community for over 50 years, raising money for children and families in need.
To date the group has donated more than $30,000 worth of equipment to the Merri River School and is now looking for new members to join the group.
Anyone interested in joining Kiwanis can contact Diane Riordan on 0407 877 737.
Volunteers, surfers and their families also enjoyed a barbecue lunch last Saturday.
The Brian Gorman Memorial Trophy for Volunteer of the Day went to Warrnambool’s Amanda Crisp.
