Happy Wheels Project

To raise money to buy a replacement wheelchair-accessible minibus for the Happy Wheels Initiative adapted for wheelchair use, and other equipment to help people with disabilities.
The minibus would be a used vehicle in good condition, estimated to cost £15,000 plus import taxes
This would replace the existing minibus which is 19 years old and has earned its retirement!
It would be purchased from mainland Europe, have sliding doors on both sides, enough seating for nine people and include a lift.
The new minibus would enable the wonderful work of the Happy Wheels Initiative to continue for many years, God willing.
In December 2020, we decided to extend the appeal to enable the Happy Wheels Initiative to equip a sensory room in the Grace Church building. We estimate the costs for this will be around £10,000. But any additional money raised will be used to buy equipment to support people with disabilities.

The idea for the initiative began with the birth of Zechariah Kostyshyn in 2005, when Volodia and Oksana needed to take him to Kyiv for treatment. They experienced first-hand the pressing need for help with transportation.
It took 11 years for their vision to become a reality and in 2016 the Happy Wheels Initiative got its first minibus.
It is run by Christian volunteers from the Grace Church, who want to help people with disability, particularly children.
They have been 'leading the way' with the local authorities to show how they can provide better support and services for people with disability.
The church has demonstrated the love of Christ to some of the neediest people in Ternopil which has led to many great opportunities for the Gospel.
Recently, the initiative was linked with Through the Roof ministries begun by Joni Eareckson Tada (European branch of Joni and Friends).

Volodia and Oksana Kostyshyn live in Ternopil, where Volodia has been the pastor of Grace Church since 2000.
They have 2 sons, Zechariah (15) and Oleksij (10 months).
Zechariah was born with severe (physical & learning) disabilities and requires 24-hour care, which can only be provided by his parents.
The state provides a very limited amount of financial support, enough to cover only basic necessities.
Based on their experiences Volodia and Oksana have a genuine passion to help other Ukrainian families with children who are disables, based on their experiences.

Until 4 years ago, there were NO transportation facilities for people with disabilities in the whole of the Ternopil region (approx. 1 million people).
This resulted in difficulties in getting to hospital appointments, being able to meet other people, etc.
In Soviet times, people with disabilities would be locked away in institutions out of sight. Even today Ukrainian society often views disability as something to be ashamed of, even as curse on a family for past sins. Those who do want to help usually don't know how to.
There is still a great need to educate people to rightly value and properly care for people with disability.