Caribbean motors may be known as an up and coming car dealership where - they say - you can get the best deals on four wheels. But today, it was strictly a two wheeled affair - and the wheels weren't a deal, they were free! We're talking about wheelchairs, 90 of them handed out by a Missionary Group at the dealership's headquarters. I visited and found out how much of a lifesaver those two wheels can be.
Courtney Weatherbure reporting
13 year old Ashley Meighan was diagnosed with cerebral palsy from birth and the journey has been challenging so far.
Stephanie Smith, Mother
"Still can't get over it, still yet can't get over, yeah, very very difficult especially for bathing her, taking care of her too."
But this new wheelchair will help Smith move her daughter around with ease and it will provide better support and comfort for her daughter.
Stephanie Smith, Mother
"One of her leg is uhm, no just uhm came out, dislocated and that makes her body curves a little so the reason why I am getting a wheelchair is for her to be comfortable."
And these city residents came looking for that same relief and ease of movement today as a team of American missionaries gave away 90 wheelchairs.
Phil Davis, Team Lead, St. Paul Lutheran Church
"We have collected money in the US and we partnered with Hope Haven to get the wheelchairs from Guatemala to Belize and then distribute them here in Belize City this year."
"The recipients are usually anywhere from birth through adults in their late 70's and early 80's even."
"What this is giving them is true mobility and a change, a true change in their lives of mobility, it is giving them the chance to have hope of see something other than a stationary life."
80 year old Monica Scott is eager to leave that life behind and keep on going on her two wheels:
Monica Scott, Recipient
"I usually got to church and so I have to, I will use this to go to church every morning and it is early so when I go."
Courtney Weatherbure, 7News
"So you going to use it to go to church and everything like that, it is definitely going to help you a lot."
Monica Scott, Recipient
"It will because then I don't have to..that one I had, I had to push it."
Courtney Weatherburne
"That was the walker right?"
Monica Scott, Recipient
"Yes I have to walk and push it but with this now, I just sit down and turn but the only thing is I have to learn good about it because I might get in accident."
Courtney Weatherburne
"Yes you have to be careful with it."
Monica Scott, Recipient
"Yes, I have to be careful but I am very thankful for it."
The missionary group CALMS - which stands for Connecting and Advancing Leaders in Mission and Service have been handing out wheelchairs for three years. Each wheelchair is valued at 250 US dollars. They will hand out 20 more tomorrow.
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