Wheelan benefit moved to Memorial Gardens

The Lewis Wheelan Family Trust announced Monday night that this Friday's fundraiser has been moved from the McMeeken Centre to Memorial Gardens because of "overwhelming response."

City Council voted unanimously to waive the usual rental fees for the facility, after a presentation by organizer Ken Audziss from Thunder Bay and Sir James Dunn teacher Barb Connell.

The event starts at 7:30 p.m. this Friday and tickets are still available at any branch of the CIBC, Northern Credit Union, ASCU Community Credit Union or the Group Health Centre.

Tickets can also be obtained by phoning 945-8566.

The following is the full text of Audziss and Connell's presentation to Sault Ste. Marie City Council:

************************************************************************ Ken Audziss: I would like to thank his worship, and members of Council for the opportunity to address you this evening. As a former resident of Thunder Bay, I can tell you that this Council's professionalism, selflessness and your ability to think independently is truly refreshing.

On May 30, 2001, on the second day of his new summer job at Great Lakes Power, 19 year-old Soo resident Lewis Wheelan became a triple amputee as a direct result of a horrific accident: Lewis was hit three times by more than 7200 watts of power, and he survived.

Just one year ago, Lewis was 6'1 and more than 200 pounds of solid muscle. A true athlete, Lewis played football, hockey and strong academically. Today, Lewis spends most of his days either in bed or in his wheelchair at St John's Rehabilitation Center in Toronto.

But there is some good news, I met Lewis for the first time today in Toronto, and am pleased to report that Lewis, the son and brother of every Soo resident, is moving out of the hospital after almost a year into his very own apartment - today! And it gets even better…over the past week, with the support of local Soo residents, we've been able to organize a fund raiser to help Lewis move into his new apartment debt-free.

But despite all this, Lewis and the Wheelan family face a daunting period ahead. Lewis lost his left and right legs, his right arm and shoulder -- has minimal use of his left hand, and has significant scaring on his head, chest and back. Quite a contrast to the image Sir James Dunn teacher, and Science Department Head, Barb Connell has of her student, Lewis Wheelan.

Barb...

Barb Connell: Thank you Ken.

I had the pleasure of teaching Lewis in both Grade 11 and OAC biology at Sir James Dunn. Lewis was a determined, hard working and enthusiastic student. I was impressed with his attitude and work ethic and enjoyed his sense of humour.

Lewis was also a member of our Envirothon Club which I mentor at SJD. In this club, professionals from our city teach students about forestry, wildlife, soils, aquatics and other environmental issues. It was during field trips and out-of-town competitions with Lewis and other students that I witnessed his love and respect of nature and his expertise in these topics. He was admired by his fellow students for his knowledge about our local wildlife.

Lewis was my student, and like so many others in my class, his life has touched mine.

Lewis' present circumstances have now touched many other people including those that know him best and people from communities throughout the province that have never met him personally but are aware of his needs as a result of the accident. Lewis is part of this community and he needs our help. Our sensitivity to his needs is a measure of our success as a community. There is no doubt in my mind that other communities are following his progress closely through the help of media coverage and through his internet web site [www.lewiswheelan.com].

This is our opportunity to show Lewis and others that we are indeed a caring community, that we are wiling to contribute both symbolically and economically to his wellbeing and to others like him.

I would ask that you wholeheartedly support the recommendations put forth by Ken Audziss, and that we fill the Memorial Gardens this Friday night as a sign of our love and support.

Ken Audziss: Thank you Barb.

Under current WSIB rules, Lewis is unable to sue his employer, and is supported by a mere $37,000 per year. Simple expenses such as rent and transportation to the rehabilitation clinic consume nearly three-quarters of this income. I ask you to imagine, living downtown Toronto with less than $7000 a year to spend on food and to pay your bills.

Since I arrived in the Soo, I've had the incredible opportunity to meet hundreds of local residents. From business owners, union leaders, football players, student council members…to you the honorable members of this council. What I have learned about the Soo during this time is that this community has a spirit like no other. This community has an amazing sense of compassion, concern and love for its neighbors.

This Friday, April 26th in the Memorial Gardens at 7:30 p.m., nearly a thousand Soo residents will show their love, support and commitment to Lewis Wheelan by attending a fundraiser in his honor. All proceeds from the event will go towards helping Lewis pay for and adjust to his new life as a triple amputee. To this point, our expenses have been minimal: which means that virtually all the money raised goes directly to helping Lewis.

Earlier today, I met with the Ministry of Labor and the Ministry of Education in Toronto. I returned this evening to the Soo with a commitment from members of the Ernie Eves team to play a positive role in young Lewis Wheelan's dramatically altered life.

This evening, I come to this council with a request for assistance on behalf of the Lewis Wheelan Trust Fund. Specifically, I am asking council to approve a motion tonight to waive the rental fees of Memorial Gardens for this Friday's fundraiser.

Tonight, Mr. Mayor and honorable members of Council, you have the ability to support the son and brother of every Soo resident. You have the opportunity to make a difference in the life of a courageous young man.

Thank you.