New Wheelchair For Paul Vienneau

Thank Paul Vienneau, the #AssholeWithaShovel, for his efforts clearing HRM of ice and snow this winter by helping put him in a new wheelchair.

In August of 1991, a bicycle accident put Paul Vienneau in hospital for two years. He lost a leg, chunks of his left hip, skin off his left hip, skin off his glutes and muscle, skin off his back and muscle, and was left with an incomplete spinal cord injury. After a lengthy spinal rehabilitation period, Paul moved back to his home city of Halifax, where he lives within a short ride in his wheelchair of all the services he needs. He lives independently and works as a photographer and musician, and went surfing for the first time last September. You get the idea; he’s been through some tough times, and isn’t the sort of person to roll over without a fight.

When the relentless Maritime winter decided to start forming glaciers and thick layers of ice on crosswalks, sidewalks, curbs, corners, parking lots, and streets in 2015, and the City decided to avoid responsibility for clearing these areas, Paul borrowed a shovel and a metal rod, labelled himself the “Asshole With a Shovel,” and took to clearing space for himself and others to get around the city. “My purpose was to make a visual point – that it’s so bad that a guy in a wheelchair has to go out and do this,” he said. He’s spent more than 35 hours since February 12 on the streets of Halifax, clearing storm drains, crosswalks, and sidewalks of ice.

The wheelchair Paul is in has already done more than its job. At 12 years old and double its intended lifespan, it is in poor condition. Paul mentioned to me during our interview that he will be looking to replace it when he can afford to do so. A process that’s not easy in light of lost work due to winter conditions, and other expenses on a tight fixed income. In recognition of Paul’s work around Halifax and as a gesture of thanks and goodwill, let’s pitch in and help him make a new chair happen, so he can continue to get around safely and comfortably – presumably fighting the good fight as he goes.

After speaking with Paul about new chairs he would buy if he had the money, and after consultation with his occupational therapist, it was established he would be looking at between $7,000 and $8,000 for a customized TiLite ZRA  Ultralight Rigid Wheelchair or TiLite TX Ultralight Folding Wheelchair (depending on a medical assessment from his occupational therapist). Either chair would be the chair of Paul’s dreams.

Help put the #AssholeWithaShovel in the wheelchair he deserves!

Please note: The nature of this funding effort was presented to Paul for his approval and blessing ahead of set-up, but at no point did he request, suggest, or imply that getting a new chair was a goal or expectation of his work clearing the streets of Halifax, nor his interaction with the media. It’s obvious he would sooner roll around in his current, ailing chair for another 12 years than appear to be taking advantage of the good will of Haligonians... Which is all the more reason to give generously!

Paul's Interview With Halifolks - Part 1
Paul's Interview With Halifolks - Part 2
Paul's Interview With Halifolks - Part 3

Paul's Story as told by CBC News

TiLite ZRA Ultralight Rigid Wheelchair
TiLite TX Ultralight Folding Wheelchair