December 12, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Tyler Brewer
661-202-5930; tbrewer@calpoly.edu
“Viva El Peru” Take Two
Cal Poly Wheelchair Foundation’s Art Show on display at PAC Jan 8
SAN LUIS OBISPO – Cal Poly’s student chapter of the Wheelchair Foundation will hold a second viewing of the art show “Viva el Peru” featuring photography taken during the group’s trip to distribute wheelchairs in Peru last summer.
“Viva el Peru” will be held at Cal Poly’s Performing Arts Center. The Grand Opening will be Jan. 8 from 5 to 8 p.m. and catered by Splash Cafe. The show will run through Jan 18. Photography on display will be available for purchase.
This year, the chapter’s goal is to raise $84,000 dollars to send more than 520 wheelchairs to disabled residents of Oaxaca, Mexico.
The Peru distribution trip was the culmination of last year’s Cal Poly Wheelchair Foundation efforts that raised $90,000. The proceeds were used to distribute 100 wheelchairs in Malawi, Africa and 260 in Lima, Cusco and Puno, Peru.
The photography is a striking visual record of recipient’s reactions as much-needed aid is received. It also captures emotional exchanges between Cal Poly team members and the people with whom they interacted throughout their travels.
Featured photographers for “Viva El Peru” include Cal Poly seniors Kori Savoie, Kali Bills, and Noelle Luchino. Savoie hopes viewers will see more than just a photo. “I hope people will take with them a sense of hope and inspiration. I hope it will motivate people to help and get involved,” she said.
The Wheelchair Foundation is a non-profit organization leading an international effort to deliver a wheelchair to every adult, teen and child in the world who need one but cannot afford one. The gift of a wheelchair allows people with physical disabilities freedom, self-reliance, mobility, and hope. The Cal Poly chapter, organized in 2001, was the first student chapter in the nation.
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