MEMPHIS, Tenn., May 20, 2016 – FedEx Freight is working with Joni and Friends International Disability Center to transport used wheelchairs from local collection sites to correctional facilities where they are restored.
Since the beginning of the year, FedEx Freight has transported 1,734 wheelchairs to locations throughout the country for restoration.
Joni and Friends International Disability Center then uses container ships to deliver newly reconstructed wheelchairs to countries such as China, Cuba, Ghana, India and Thailand. In these countries, volunteers of Joni and Friends’ Wheels for the World outreach ministry fit each wheelchair to the recipient’s individual needs and provide training in its use and upkeep.
Joni and Friends collects more than 10,000 wheelchairs each year.
“FedEx Freight has been a tremendous blessing to Joni and Friends’ Wheels for the World,” said Elizabeth Kelly, senior coordinator for Wheels for the World. “We could not collect and transport the volume of wheelchairs that we do, without their generous donated transportation. Their desire to give back to those in need is demonstrated by their uncompromising professionalism and service to non-profit organizations like us.”
Mike Zanolli, vice president, Regional Operations, has been involved in charitable moves for Joni and Friends for nearly a decade.
“FedEx Freight is pleased to help Joni and Friends’ efforts by moving older wheelchairs to locations where they are rebuilt and restored,” Zanolli said. “Through the use of our resources and network, we are able to help make a difference to so many throughout the world.”
About FedEx Freight
With corporate offices in Memphis, Tenn., FedEx Freight Segment includes FedEx Freight, a leading U.S. provider of LTL freight services; FedEx Freight Canada, an LTL operating company serving most points in Canada; and FedEx Custom Critical, North America’s largest time-specific, critical shipment carrier. FedEx Freight also serves Mexico, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. For more information visit fedex.com.
About FedEx Corp.
FedEx Corp. (NYSE: FDX) provides customers and businesses worldwide with a broad portfolio of transportation, e-commerce and business services. With annual revenues of $49 billion, the company offers integrated business applications through operating companies competing collectively and managed collaboratively, under the respected FedEx brand. Consistently ranked among the world’s most admired and trusted employers, FedEx inspires its more than 340,000 team members to remain “absolutely, positively” focused on safety, the highest ethical and professional standards and the needs of their customers and communities. For more information, visit news.fedex.com.
About Joni and Friends
Joni and Friends was established in 1979 by Joni Eareckson Tada, who at 17 was injured in a diving accident, leaving her a quadriplegic. Tada has, in the ensuing 40 years, become an author, speaker, artist and radio & TV host. She uses her global influence as an advocate for disability issues, and shares the love of Jesus Christ to people in need of help and hope. For more information, please visit http://www.joniandfriends.org/.