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Men working on Spirit of Pilar conversion to adaptive boat

Thanks to the generous support we received from friends, family and strangers, the last few years has allowed us to convert the replica of Ernest Hemingway’s sportfishing boat “Pilar” at Shannon Boat Company in Bristol, RI to a totally accessible boat for people using wheelchairs, canes and crutches. A custom-built electric lift for access to the cabin and lavatory below, a large wheelchair accessible head and a safe boarding ramp was engineered and installed.

 

Walt Schulz waits to greet visitors aboard Spirit of Pilar at Mystic Seaport Boat Show announcing SRMHF

Currently high insurance premiums and Covid 19 issues have curtailed our efforts and “Spirit of Pilar” is sitting in dry dock in Rhode Island waiting to begin work again. Your tax deductible donations will allow us to continue our program by helping us to pay for insurance, marina fees and maintenance to get “Spirit of Pilar” back in the water bringing folks out on the water again.

YOUR HELP

When you make a gift of a tax-deductible contribution, you help make it possible for SRMHF to:

  1.  Offset the costs of maintenance, fuel, insurance, supplies and adaptive fishing and boating
    gear

  2.  Hire and train staff/volunteers to work with individuals with special needs participating in
    the SRMHF program

  3.  Get the word out about the SRMHF boating program to disabled veteran groups and 
    others      with disabilities to coordinate a regularly-scheduled boating opportunity for those
    who wish     to participate

  4.  Advertise and promote the SRMHF boating program through boat shows, websites, YouTube, advertising media, social media, mailings and dedicated literature to make the program visible to those in need and to secure contributors to a program that will change the paradigm of shortfall in boating recreational activities for those with disabilities.

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Man in wheelchair looking out over the water
Two paralyzed veterans catch a fish on SRMHF fishing excursion

Working together we are hopeful that we can give the priceless freedom of the wind, water, and spirit to the warriors in our society who have to overcome adversity every day.

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To make a gift by credit card or money transfer, please click on the button below or contact bill@shannonyachts.com

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To donate by check please make your check out to:

SHANNON RIVER MARINE HERITAGE FOUNDATION

or SRMHF
19 Broad Common Road
Bristol, Rhode Island 02809

We thank you for your generosity
Spirit of Pilar with paralyzed veterans heading back from a day a sea fishing
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