2006 Press Releases
U.S. Ambassador makes special presentation to the Bahamas National Council for Disability
August 24, 2006
On Thursday, August 24, United States Ambassador John Darrell Rood presented three wheelchairs to The Bahamas National Council for Disability as part of a grant the Council received from the Kirby Simon Trust.
The Kirby Simon Trust is a private organization founded following the death of US Foreign Service Officer Kirby Simon while serving his county overseas. Kirby Simon was known for his volunteer work, and the Trust was established to honor and encourage the spirit of volunteerism by the award of grants worldwide to support public service by private individuals.
The Kirby Simon Trust has donated money to purchase three wheelchairs for the Bahamas National Council for Disability. A Pride Rally Electric Scooter, a Pride GoGo Electric Scooter and a lightweight standard wheelchair. The Bahamas National Council for Disability is a volunteer organization that seeks to improve the lives of the disabled in The Bahamas. There is no more fitting recipient of the Kirby Simon Grant, as these wheelchairs will be used by disabled volunteers of the National Council to support the non-profit activities of the Council.
Truly this grant – and the great work done by the National Council for Disability – are worthy of the legacy of volunteer work left by Kirby Simon.
Embassy staff has worked on several volunteer projects with the Disability Council in their free time, including help refurbishing the Council building, clearing the grounds and participating in Council fundraisers. And it was Embassy staff who helped coordinate the receipt of this grant with the Council.
Ambassador Rood noted that he is pleased to honor the Kirby Simon Trust and The Bahamas National Council for Disability for the work they do and thanked the volunteers from the National Council for Disability and the Embassy. Said Ambassador Rood, “Volunteering is the ultimate exercise in democracy. You vote in elections once a year, but when you volunteer, you vote every day about the kind of world you want to live in”.
If anyone is interested in helping the Bahamas National Council for Disability, please contact Ms. Sheila Culmer, Council President or Greg Floyd from my staff. The Council has ongoing needs as it raises funds for the purchase of disabled-friendly transportation.