The ability to get around is something many take for granted. But one Norwich business owner saw a need and is now giving hundreds the “Gift of Mobility.”
It all started nine years ago. AZ Pawn owner Phil Pavone had two motorized wheelchairs in his shop that never sold.
“Got around Christmas time and I thought, let me put an ad in the paper, see if someone wants them and I’ll donate them. And I got 60 letters,” Pavone said.
Each letter had a different story: some involved veterans, others mentioned people stuck in their homes, some were battling cancer. But all, for some reason or another, were unable to get a motorized wheelchair or scooter on their own.
Pavone immediately went out and bought four more to give away.
Every year since, Pavone has given away donated, refurbished motorized wheelchairs and scooters at no cost to recipients.
He and a team of volunteers have collected and fixed-up hundreds over the years.
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“These chairs are a life changer,” according to Pavone. He said he’s even helped a Holocaust survivor.
Pavone’s efforts have attracted the support of many generous donors. But Pavone still contributes thousands of dollars. He said there was a year where he gave $15,000 to $18,000 of out-of-pocket because of his passion for the cause.
He calls it the “AZ Pawn Gift of Mobility.” On Sunday, Dec. 2 about 100 people will receive motorized wheelchairs and scooters at the Holiday Inn in Norwich.
Tuesday, people were still coming into AZ Pawn asking for one. Others stopped by to donate chairs that are not needed anymore.
“There’s such a need for this and it just brings tears to your eyes,” said Pavone’s brother, Frank, who helps refurbish the chairs.
It takes a year to collect and fix them all up. Pavone always distributes during the holiday season, ensuring each chair fits the needs of the recipient.
“After this giveaway we will have given away about 580 mobilized chairs,” Pavone said.
Pavone’s battle with cancer 10 years ago also fuels the project.
“That was the first time in my life that I’d been so sick, that I had to ask people to help me,” Pavone said. “So I know how these people feel.”
Bob Palmer has gotten five chairs in the last six years from Pavone since he wears his out so much.
He uses his motorized wheelchair just like a pair of shoes traveling a mile or two to the “Y” or to a restaurant.
Palmer was born with osteogenesis imperfecta, a brittle bone disease. Without a motorized chair, he is essentially bedridden.
“The government switched policies with the wheelchairs. So they couldn’t just give me one anymore. And I can’t afford to rent one,” according to Palmer.
For him, the “Gift of Mobility” is the gift of freedom.
“This is about as big as a gift as my family,” Palmer said. “It puts it right up there.”
