Monday, March 23, 2015

50,000 PET Carts to Waiting Adults & Children Around the World

PET West Michigan has churned out over 2,000 PET carts since its beginning, and we are proud to be a part of over 50,000 carts making their way into the hands of waiting adults and children around the world! Please read the following press release from PET International: 

"PET International announces the production of the 50,000th PET (Personal Energy
Transportation) cart. A celebration will be held at noon on Thursday, April 16, at the PET
Mobility Project factory at 1908 Heriford, in Columbia.


This milestone was reached by the combined efforts of 22 PET Affiliates established in the
United States and another in Zambia. PET carts, hand cranked 3-wheel vehicles, allow the driver
to go where ordinary wheelchairs won’t go.


World Health Organization cites over 21 Million people are leg disabled due to diseases,
casualties, and birth defects. PET Mobility Project started in 1994 when retired Methodist
minister Mel West and two friends, a missionary in Africa (Larry Hill) saw the need, and an
engineer (Earl Miner) designed a cart to meet that need. West began production of the first carts
in his garage in Columbia Missouri. From that, the volunteer organization has grown to 23 shops
across the world.


In 2004 PET International came into being as the umbrella organization to distribute PET carts,
coordinate PET affiliate production sites, and communicate the need for PET carts. PI Director
of Operations Von Driggs, stationed in Lindale Texas, coordinates the distribution of the carts in
over 100 developing nations. Over 50 distribution partners assist with shipping containers of
PET carts and identify those who will receive the carts in-country. Driggs said “There is no cost
to the recipient – we reflect the love of God by giving them the gift of mobility.”


Each PET affiliate shop started with an inspired individual or group of volunteers and a desire to
help others. They organized their facility, recruited volunteers, raised funds for operations and
supplies, and received training on how to build a PET cart. A standard design, continually being
improved and coordinated by PET International, provides the design for the cart.


The 50,000 milestone represents the donations of thousands of PET Mobility Project supporters
across the world. Each affiliate raises funds for their shop through fundraising events and
donations from hundreds of supporters. Over the years, organizations such as United Methodist
Men, Lion’s Club, Rotary, and Kiwanis have adopted the PET mobility cause and provided
money as well as manpower to build PET carts.


The 50,000 PET carts made also represent thousands of volunteers working at the 23 PET
Affiliates, an estimated 600,000 hours of time volunteered, and over $12.5 million to build them."


If you would like more information on how you can get involved with PET West Michigan, please be sure to visit our website at www.petwestmichigan.org