Happy New Year to everyone here on GoFundMe! As we step into 2026, please consider reading through our story of a man who has worked much of his life to help others, but has had a string of hardships for the past several years and is now asking for your help acquiring a wheelchair, and hopefully recoup his unnecessary financial losses. His story covers several years and many details, but we will try to keep it brief for the benefit of this campaign.

Starting in 1990, William "Bob" Challenger has been an active champion for environmental causes in Canada and around the world, by acting as a beacon to spread the word of Earth Day through his "Campaign for the Earth" efforts, and even coining the phrase "Make Every Day Earth Day".

Now in 2026 and at the age of 82, his physical and mental state is not quite what it used to be, but his spirit is still strong! However, as many who have experienced the hardships of growing old will know, living independently becomes more and more challenging as time goes by.

A String of Unfortunate Events:

By 2023, Bob had already lost both of his parents in their 90s through 2019, his ex-wife in 2020 at 79, and his oldest son in 2023 at 52. But although he had lost so many close to him, he never let his sadness consume his life. Bob was never the type of person to just sit around and watch the world go by, so he continued to work as an Uber driver, engage with the community and help others in any way he could. But when a simple slip on construction gravel outside his home led to a fractured hip and surgery, a heartbreaking "perfect storm" of obstacles was soon to follow.

Isolation and Injury: Trapped in a three-story brownstone without an elevator, Bob suffered repeated falls and worsening balance issues due to his recovering hip.

Betrayal of Trust: While struggling with mobility loss and early signs of dementia, Bob entrusted his bank card to neighbours for help with groceries and other necessities. Tragically, individuals took advantage of his vulnerability, stealing over a thousand dollars from his savings. After speaking with the bank, we insisted that the bank card's function be disabled, but months later we would learn it was being used to skim small amounts of money, adding up over time. To this day, none of this money has been returned.

The Financial Toll of "Independence": After a second hip surgery, Bob could no longer return to an apartment that forced him to climb three flights of stairs to his door. Despite his obvious need for assistance, he was caught in a bureaucratic loop where he didn't "qualify" for long-term care. Bob was recommended that he move to an independent retirement residence with nursing care, which over time would cut into his savings by a substantial amount. Although it was a safe setting for someone in his situation, he never should have been there in the first place.

The Current Situation:

After a third hip surgery, over a month in recovery and a short convalescence period before the end of 2025, Bob had been away from his retirement residence for two months. Despite his absence he continued to pay full rate for meals and services he would never use. Although contractually there was nothing he could do, it just didn't seem right for someone in his situation to have to pay so much out of pocket for something he would never benefit from, especially right before Christmas.

Fortunately, during his convalescence stay, Bob had finally been approved for residence at a Long-Term Care facility close to his family in Kitchener Ontario. This is a relief, but it comes with a new reality: Bob can no longer walk on his own.

Currently, his only financial option is to rent a wheelchair month-to-month, but even that cost might not be in his budget. That is unless the good people of this world can reach out and help with his cause.

How You Can Help:

We are raising funds to provide Bob with the dignity and independence he deserves in this next chapter of his life. Our goals are:

A Wheelchair of His Own: Purchasing a wheelchair will eliminate the burden of monthly rental fees and ensure he always has the mobility he needs. Additionally, a 75% discount will be awarded from the government if the chair is purchased outright.

Basic Comforts: Now isolated to a bed with less mobility than ever, we want to provide Bob with a tablet or laptop for staying better connected with family and friends, as well as serve as entertainment to make his time in LTC more enjoyable.

Recoup his losses: Even if we had a time machine, we could not have avoided the community care worker's unfortunate disregard for his failing physical and mental health. But perhaps we can turn the financial clock back to before he spent a dime at the independent living residence, and even back before his neighbours were stealing from him.

Every Donation Counts:

Bob spent his life looking at the big picture—the health of our entire planet. Now, we are asking you to look at the individual. Whether it is $5 or $50, your contribution will go directly toward Bob’s mobility and quality of life.

We have put together what we feel is a fair estimation for the scale of costs not only for wheelchair options, but for a charitable consideration to recoup his savings. The amount of donations he receives will determine the quality of his options:

Wheelchair cost approximate range: $900 - $1600 - $2000 after 75% government discount

Laptop or tablet: $200 - $1500

Return his savings to before twelve months of retirement residence stay: $48,000

Please help us spread the word, and give back to a man who gave so much to save the world!

The Campaign for the Earth efforts according to Bob:

"Founder of the Metro Toronto Campaign For Earth - Earth Day Office

Earthcare Enterprise Corporation

International Affairs industry

February 1990 – Present (19 years 7 months)

Earthcare Enterprise Corporation was formed in February, 1990 to be a voice for Earth Day in Canada for the 1st International Earth Day - April 22nd, 1990. I converted a section of my RE/MAX office into "The Metro Toronto Campaign For The Earth - Earth Day Office". This office was part of the Earth Day Canada network. Our office became the main source for information for much of Canada. We had access to the largest media organizations in Canada ie: television networks, major newspaper chains & publishers, Earth Day Canada was headquartered in Victoria B.C. in 1990 - that office became Earth Day International in 1991. & Earth Day Canada moved to Toronto the same year. I refocused my attention that year on The Campaign For The Earth - our slogan is "make every day Earth Day". . I am still very involved in promoting The Campaign For The Earth."

Bob speaks as part of the International Children's Month Global Kick Off Celebration for The Children's Global Wave of Love, World Peace and Prayer Day, and World Unity Week.