CARIBOU, Maine — United Veterans of Maine helped bring a powered motor scooter to Sandra Carson, a member of both UVM and the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary.
UVM President John DeVeau said his organization merely acted as an intermediary in the donation, which involved Marcel Bosse, a veteran representative at the Presque Isle Career Center, and Bill Merchant, who is on the path to creating a non-profit organization dedicated to helping disabled individuals get the equipment and services they need.
Bosse said his father purchased the scooter three years ago, just before he passed, and that he has since been unable to sell it or find any interested buyers. He then approached Merchant, who currently works for Cary Medical Center, who said he would find a home for the scooter. Merchant then contacted DeVeau, and United Veterans of Maine soon found that Carson was in need.
Bosse, who had only been at the Career Center for five days, said he hopes to meet with DeVeau and “open up some avenues of communication” in the future.
Merchant was pleased that he was able to find a home for Bosse’s chair, but this is far from his first humanitarian effort. He recently finished a fundraiser for a local 16 year old with spina bifida, who also received a motorized chair. Merchant also is in the process of starting a 501(c)(3) which he will name after Travis Michaud, a friend who recently passed away due to spina bifida.
“Hopefully next year we’ll have the Travis Michaud Foundation up and running,” he said. “We’ll be helping people young and old, who need equipment, resources, or treatment and are unable to get these things on their own.”
Carson, who politely declined an interview, was all smiles when Merchant, Bosse, and DeVeau presented her with the new scooter on Monday, Sept. 10.
DeVeau did not want to take credit for the donation, but was happy to see the motorized scooter end up with a veteran’s spouse.
He added that UVM is currently seeking a stairlift for another veteran, and urges anyone who can help to call the organization at (207) 492-2190.
“To me,” DeVeau said, “this is just The County way.”
