Wheelchair Project
Cross-Border Mobility Aid Delivery Across Russia
| Company & Position | Novosibirsk Initiative Rotary club, Project Coordinator |
| Industry | Non-Profit, International Humanitarian Aid |
| Time & Place | Dec 2009 – Sep 2012, Russia & North America |
| Tags | #NonProfit, #ProjectManagement, #Fundraising, #Grants |
Objective
To deliver 280 wheelchairs from Canada to 11 cities across Russia, overcoming regulatory, logistical, and funding challenges through international cooperation and Rotary Foundation support.
Responsibilities
- Initiated and co-designed the project with Rotary Club of Sitka and Canadian Wheelchair Foundation.
- Coordinated 13 Russian and 11 North American Rotary clubs, securing local and international contributions.
- Drafted and submitted a successful Rotary Matching Grant application totaling $44,900.
- Led the legal, financial, and logistical framework: drafted 8 contract types, managed tax and customs compliance, and oversaw bank transactions.
- Organized the transportation, customs clearance, storage, and regional distribution of all 280 wheelchairs.
- Managed stakeholder communication, PR activities, and final reporting in accordance with Rotary International requirements.
Results
- Delivered 280 wheelchairs to recipients in 11 Russian cities, including remote regions of Siberia and the Far East.
- Created a replicable process for future humanitarian imports into Russia, including full customs documentation and partner network.
- Reduced per-unit cost to $28 via grant optimization; each club received 21–22 units.
- Generated significant media coverage and public visibility across local news and TV.
- Appointed official representative of the Canadian Wheelchair Foundation in Russia.
Tools & Skills
Grant writing and reporting, multi-party coordination, international logistics, nonprofit finance, public-private partnerships, contract drafting, customs and tax compliance, media relations