Partnering with Team Jigger - a superb local cause to support!

 

Folks behind the annual Chair Aware event in Lacombe stopped by recently to borrow 20 wheelchairs from TLC – it’s all part of a special event hosted by the Team Jigger Foundation to raise awareness about accessibility for those using wheelchairs. Chair Aware, which includes teams of four spending at least part of a day in a wheelchair, is being held through to June 3!

As organizers point out, Chair Aware is all about helping able-bodied folks to experience some of the hurdles faced by those with mobility challenges.

It’s also about bringing accessibility awareness to the forefront, plus it’s a fundraiser to help the Foundation to purchase new equipment.

“Teams of four sign up and each team member has to spend two hours in a chair – there are a couple of different things they have to do, including going for coffee, go to a grocery store, and buying something for the food bank,” explained the Foundation’s Jason Lunn. “We are not only raising awareness and funds for Team Jigger, we are also raising funds for the food bank, the Broom Tree Foundation, FCSS and Big Brothers, Big Sisters.

“It’s charities helping charities – and with The Lending Cupboard lending us the chairs to be able to do this, it’s really about everybody helping to make a difference!”
Born and raised in Lacombe, Jason has been an active player in the Lacombe and Central Alberta Communities.
 
As the Team Jigger website points out, he is a member of the Lacombe Kinsmen Club, the Lacombe Minor Football Association, the Lacombe Athletic Park Association and the Lacombe Health Trust - he refuses to be confined by the bounds of his wheelchair. 
 
After a tragic motor vehicle accident on Jan. 14th, 2011 left him with two vertebral fractures, at C6 & C7 along with a spinal cord injury, he also simply refused to accept the diagnosis of 'quadriplegic' get in the way of how he lived his life.
 
“Since being discharged from the Glenrose Rehabilitation Center, Jason has broken down barriers and has paved new ways for rehabilitation here in Central Alberta. Each day he strives to break down small barriers for mobility, function, and daily activity in his own life, and to help other do the same.”
 
As mentioned, Team Jigger borrowed 20 wheelchairs from TLC, and we couldn’t be happier to support such a worthwhile cause. This year marks the second time Chair Aware has been held –last year there were 23 participants who signed up to spend eight hours of a given day in a chair.
This year, organizers opted to go with teams, toss in a few more challenges and bolster the ‘fun’ factor even more!

For more about Chair Aware and the Team Jigger Foundation, check out www.teamjigger.com.