Ambucs “Amtryke” helps kids and veterans with mobility

EDMOND, OKLA (KFOR) — “Inspiring mobility and independence”. That’s the motto for Ambucs , which is a group that helps kids and veterans increase mobility by making adaptive tricycles and wheelchair ramps.

Ambucs is a national non-profit founded in 1922.

There are 4,000 members nationwide, and 80 volunteers at the Edmond chapter .

“We build trikes for people with mobility issues. We help provide ramps for people who can’t get out of their homes because they’re wheelchair dependent and they don’t have a ramp to get out,” said Keri Crutchfield, a chairperson for the AMBUCS golf tournament.

Volunteers also said they provide scholarships for physical, speech, or occupational therapy.

A big project they give back with is the “Amtryke”.

“The Amtryke’s usually come from a therapist, a physical therapist or occupational therapist because they’re working with individual and they recommend them for one,” said Crutchfield.

The trike is meant to be adaptive for those who can’t ride a bike due to mobility issues or balance.

Which means each trike may look different based on who’s receiving it.

For some, there are straps to keep feet on the pedals. Others may have a handle on the back for an adult to help as well.

“Some people can’t use their feet. So we have hand trikes, so we just adapt the bike for their mobility issue and then they can be independent,” said Crutchfield.

Keri Crutchfield is a volunteer with Ambucs.

She said the trikes help increase strength and mobility for the child or veteran, but it also helps them feel included.

“The smiles on their face when they have a bike they can ride. They’re so happy that they can ride bikes with all the other children in the neighborhood, or even their siblings are excited because their brother or sister can now ride bikes with them,” said Crutchfield.

The group has a goal to give out trikes to everyone who needs one.

To raise money, they’re having a golf tournament on Friday, September 20.

“Our goal for our club this year is to give away 50 trikes. They’re about $1,000 a piece on average,” said Crutchfield.

A goal they’re hopeful they’ll reach, to give a smile to a child in need.

The golf tournament starts at 8am at the Golf Club of Edmond .

Crutchfield said golfers will get breakfast and lunch along with a goody bag. There will be a putting contest as well.

“ BC Clark is a sponsor for our hole in one. And so if someone makes a hole in one on that hole, they will get a $10,000 gift card from BC Clark. So lots of fun activities going on,” said Crutchfield.

If you want to play in the tournament or just want to donate for the Amtryke’s, you can register here.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City.