F.A.I.R Project...

Falkland Volunteer Opportunity for Wheelchair Users

Falkland’s FAIR project (Falkland Access & Inclusion Runabout) for wheelchair users is at last nearing completion with a specially adapted John Deere Gator now delivered. Falkland in Bloom’s very own celebrity volunteer, Frank Duffy has for some time been frustrated at being unable to participate in the summer watering rota due to his disability. Frank is former skip of the Scottish curling team which won the World Championship twice and were silver medal winners at the 2006 Para Olympics. Together with the Falkland in Bloom committee, he eventually identified the Gator as the most suitable machine for adaptation. Funding and sponsorship deals now mean that the project is nearing completion.

Frank commented, “The Gator has been modified with hand controls and extra grab handles and we will install a watering unit at its rear. This means that we can now offer volunteer opportunities for wheelchair users who can attend and drive this adapted machine. Special tasks are to be identified and allocated to these volunteers. At present we have three wheelchair users from neighbouring communities who are interested in participating but it is hoped that once word spreads, we will attract many more. I must pay tribute to Sandy Armit and all his staff for their assistance and support”

Falkland in Bloom Secretary, Bert Allan added, “It’s exciting that this project is at last reaching completion and we are delighted about the volunteering opportunities that it provides. We hope to develop the project as more and more volunteers come on board and identify additional tasks that can be allocated to include everyone.”

The Gator is being supplied by local John Deere supplier, ‘Double A’ in nearby Cupar and managing director Sandy Armit commented, “We are proud to be supporting Falkland in Bloom and in particular the FAIR project.”

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