Jason 'Jigger' Lunn, founder of the Lacombe-based Team Jigger Foundation. (Supplied)

By Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

raising funds and awareness

‘Chair Aware’ event highlights barriers faced by those with mobility challenges

Sep 18, 2021 | 7:15 PM

A unique event this week in Lacombe will shine a spotlight on the barriers faced by people who are confined to a wheelchair, and who have other mobility challenges.

The Team Jigger Foundation presents the first ever Chair Aware, which runs Sept. 20-24.

During that stretch, participants will experience an eight-hour glimpse into the lives of those who are mobility-challenged.

They will do so by dedicating themselves to a wheelchair and attempting to make it through a day performing simple tasks like crossing the street onto a sidewalk, grocery shopping, fueling a vehicle or entering their workplace.

mayor hopes to meet housing minister this month

Alberta demands Ottawa back off on housing funding stripped from Red Deer

Apr 02, 2026

Last seen Jan. 15

Missing: Courtney Cattleman, 17, of Maskwacis

Apr 02, 2026

eyes up

Air Spray training around Red Deer Regional Airport

Apr 02, 2026

“The point of Chair Aware is not to belittle or lessen the personal and intimate challenges faced by individuals who live with mobility issues,” says Jason ‘Jigger’ Lunn, founder of the Team Jigger Foundation.

“The point is to allow able-bodied people to experience a limitation that is a daily part of life for us, and to take this experience forward with them when considering accessibility and inclusion issues in their future.”

Lunn has been in a wheelchair since being involved in a high-speed collision in 2011 which resulted in a ride with STARS Air Ambulance, and months of recovery. Lunn created the foundation to provide needed resources to others like him.

“Our foundation works on three fronts. First, to raise awareness of accessibility issues and barriers in our community and throughout central Alberta. Second, to provide mentorship, resources and assistance to those born with or experiencing a loss of mobility or function,” says Lunn.

“Third, to acquire specialized physiotherapy equipment that has been modified for paraplegics, quadriplegics, brain injury recoveries, MS patients, those with balance or cardiovascular issues, amputees or degenerative conditions – you name it – we want to ensure they have access to equipment not normally available at a physiotherapist or hospital to help contribute to their recovery physically and mentally, and to reach the peak of their adjusted ability.”

This type of equipment is both uncommon and expensive.

The Lacombe-based foundation’s focus going forward will be solidifying its home-base and on providing to outlying communities.

“This event struck a chord with us at MNP,” says Angela Law, both a Board member with Team Jigger and an MNP Partner. “Most everyone knows somebody who has experienced a loss or decline of mobility through an accident or disease. Not all of us stop to think about the everyday challenges and restrictions that able-bodied individuals may take for granted.”

MNP is helping with Chair Aware at many of its central Alberta offices and assisting with the event’s execution.

Anyone interested in participating, donating or volunteering should call 825-640-8326 or visit teamjigger.com for further details.

This event was scheduled to take place in May 2021, but was postponed due to COVID-19. Organizers say COVID-related precautions will be in place to ensure the event goes off safely.