Be ‘Chair Aware’ this May: experience glimpse of life with mobility challenges at local fundraiser

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The Foundation says seemingly simple tasks, such as crossing the street onto a sidewalk, shopping for groceries, fueling a vehicle or entering their place of work may present a new level of complexity that would otherwise go unnoticed.

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The fundraiser is geared towards identifying and understanding the barriers and struggles that the mobility-challenged face each and every day.

“Chair Aware is an incredible way to bring awareness to our communities and to begin helpful conversations on accessibility and inclusion,’ said Lunn.

Confined to a chair himself after a high speed collision in 2011, resulting in a STARS Air Ambulance ride and months of recovery, Lunn said he founded the Team Jigger Foundation to provide needed resources and fill the gap between injury and rehabilitation.

Lunn explained that the foundation works on three fronts:

• Raise awareness of accessibility issues and barriers throughout central Alberta communities
• Provide mentorship, resources and assistance to those born with or experiencing a loss of mobility or function
• Acquire specialized physiotherapy equipment that has been modified for paraplegics, quadriplegics, brain injury recoveries, Multiple Sclerosis 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,” said Lunn.

He says these pieces of equipment are not only uncommon, but also expensive, which is why participants of Chair Aware will be soliciting donations, in addition to experiencing the sometimes frustrating restrictions of a wheelchair.

For the event’s third year, officials say participants are being encouraged to register as teams and challenge their friends, neighbours and fellow businesses to join them in discovering a perspective they may not otherwise be aware of.

“For most, the experience is a powerful one,” said Lunn. “Seemingly little things, like small curbs, inclines, heavy doors, counter heights and environmental hazards become magnified in difficulty from a seated position that requires a sense of coordination and balance.”

Team members will experience roughly three hours in a wheelchair and are encouraged to attempt every day activities, even as simple as grabbing a quick coffee.

“Chair Aware will always be held in May, in part to recognize the efforts of the many physiotherapists who work with individuals of all circumstance in reaching the highest quality of life they can,” said Lunn, who credits the many physiotherapists and specialists he has worked with since his incident as a major part of his recovery. “We can do great things alone, but we can do amazing things together.”

Those interested in participating as a team or individual, donating or volunteering can visit www.teamjigger.com or call (825) 640-8326.