SMILE Gives Wheelchair Access, Vote for Beaches to Get It First

Thirteen Barnstable beaches, lakes and ponds will receive beach wheelchairs as a part of the SMILE Mass initative. 

SMILE Mass (Small Miracles In Life Exist) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation with a dual mission in two phases. The phase most relevant right now is Phase I where we will raise the funds to donate 100 beach wheelchairs to towns on Cape Cod.

On June 15, 2012, we will be delivering the first shipment of Mobi-chair beach wheelchairs, capable of being used on the sand as well as in the ocean, lake or pond waters, to the local towns.  These beach wheelchairs will allow families with children of disabilities (as well as disabled adults) to have a day at the beach, previously an almost impossible task.

SMILE Mass has been working closely with local Park & Recreation Directors, Beach Directors and Commissions on Disability to identify which beaches in their respective communities could benefit the most.  In response to our survey, each town representative identified from one to thirteen fresh and saltwater swimming areas.

Within the Town of Barnstable are: Veteran’s Park, Dowses, Loop, Kalmus, Covell’s, Keyes, Sandy Neck, Fortes, Millway, Craigville, Wequaquet., Hathaway’s Pond and Hamblin’s Pond.

Residents can help decide which beaches will receive the first Mobi-chairs. 

A donation of $25 will give you a vote choosing which beaches will receive the first order of chairs, and you’ll also receive a small lawn sign showing your support for the project. 

The voting process is easy, first visit www.firstgiving.com/smilemass, then click on the link to donate to the Beach Wheelchair Project, then, in the comment field indicate which town or specific beach you would like to support.  Larger donations get to cast multiple votes! 

If your town isn’t listed but you know of a beach you believe should be included, please make us aware of it by donating and let us know of the town and beach site.

Our goal is to help local towns become more accessible which, in turn, will provide a boost to the local economy by increasing tourism at local retail establishments and revenues to the towns from parking and beach fees.  Help us to make a day at the beach available and accessible to all! Don’t let your local beach get beat out by neighboring communities.  Donate and vote today!

SMILE Mass needs your help whether; financially, as a volunteer in our fundraising projects, or as a conduit to corporations and local foundations.  Please visit www.smilemass.org

Information provided by SMILE Mass.