Celebrate 50,000^th PET Built

PET International announces the production of the 50,000th PET (Personal Energy Transportation) cart. This milestone was reached by the combined efforts of 21 PET Affiliates established in the United States and another in Zambia. PET carts are hand cranked 3-wheel vehicles, an "all-terrain" wheelchair.

World Health Organization cites over 21 Million people are leg disabled due to diseases, casualties, and birth defects. PET Mobility Project started in 1994 when retired Methodist minister Mel West and two friends, a missionary in Africa (Larry Hill) saw the need, and an engineer (Earl Miner) designed a cart to meet that need. West began production of the first carts in his garage in Columbia Missouri. From that, the volunteer organization has grown to 22 shops across the world. West said, "We have not served only 50,000 persons. Also served have been their family and caretakers, and communities."

In 2004 PET International came into being as the umbrella organization to distribute PET carts, coordinate PET affiliate production sites, and communicate the need for PET carts. PI Director of Operations Von Driggs, stationed in Lindale Texas, coordinates the distribution of the carts in over 100 developing nations. Over 50 distribution partners assist with shipping containers of PET carts and identify those who will receive the carts in-country. Driggs said "There is no cost to the recipient – we reflect the love of God by giving them the gift of mobility."

Each PET affiliate shop started with an inspired individual or group of volunteers and a desire to help others. They organized their facility, recruited volunteers, raised funds for operations and supplies, and received training on how to build a PET cart. A standard design, continually being improved and coordinated by PET International, provides the design for the cart.

PET-Austin (www.petaustin.org) started in 2008 as the 15th PET affiliate. Since that time, PET-Austin has produced and shipped over 500 PET carts.

The 50,000 milestone represents the donations of thousands of PET Mobility Project supporters across the world. Each affiliate raises funds for their shop through fundraising events and donations from hundreds of supporters. Over the years, organizations such as United Methodist Men, Lion's Club, Rotary, and Kiwanis have adopted the PET mobility cause and provided money as well as manpower to build PET carts.

The 50,000 PET carts made also represent thousands of volunteers working at the 22 PET Affiliates, an estimated 600,000 hours of time volunteered, and over $12.5 million to build them.