For years, Don Schoendorfer and his wife, Laurie, have given selflessly of their
time and resources. Among other things, they tutored and nurtured children at
the Mariners Church, Lighthouse after-school-program in Santa Ana. Such
dedication is indicative of Don’s loving heart for the poor and needy. Then a
two-week vacation to Morocco and a sermon from his pastor 20 years later changed
Don’s life. In his garage, he used all of his talents, skills, MIT education,
and engineering experience to design simple, rugged, and inexpensive
wheelchairs. Due to his passion, vision, and humility, thousands have joined Don
in his goal to deliver 20,000,000 wheelchairs free to people around the world
for whom the gift of mobility is beyond dreams. Over 130 local residents have
traveled to the countries supported by the Free Wheelchair Mission to experience
first hand the delivery of a wheelchair. Their lives have been transformed after
witnessing how Don’s simple wheelchair immediately restores dignity to the
disabled person, brings needed relief to the family members, and restores hope
to the entire community. To date, the Free Wheelchair Mission has given away
over 250,000 wheelchairs to the poor in over 65 developing countries. Don
Schoendorfer’s selfless, humble, and passionate heart is an inspiration to all.