Since 1998, the Tabs for Wheelchair program has provided 52 specialized wheelchairs for Manitoba children that need one.
Next year, the program will celebrate its 25th year and before that, you can be a part of the program. All you have to do is pull off your tab from your beverage and save it. Then the next time you head to the Dauphin Co-op Food Store or the Ste. Rose Co-op Home & Building Centre, you can take the tabs and put them in the collection bin.
Those tabs are then sent to the Winnipeg recycling depot and the money from the recycled tabs plus additional monetary donations go towards purchasing a new specialized wheelchair for a child that otherwise wouldn't be able to access one. The recipients are chosen by the rehab centre for children and Manitoba Possible, (formerly SMD).
It takes roughly 14 to 24 million tabs to purchase one wheelchair and while that may seem like a daunting number, Rachel from the Co-op says if everyone comes together, it doesn't take as long as one would expect.
"That's why I'm inviting you to be a part of this program with me because every little tab does help," said Rachel.
At next year's celebration of the program running for 25 years, two children will receive their wheelchairs.
"That's going to be very exciting presentation and emotional at the same time," said Rachel. "I love knowing that I helped out, even just a little bit, and I hope you will join as well."
