Former 'wild man' now restores electric wheelchairs for Fayetteville people in need
FAYETTEVILLE, NC (WTVD) -- A one-time wild man is on the road to taking a major detour in his life.
George Butterfly now restores and repairs old and unused electric wheelchairs for those in need. He admitted he was once a hell-raiser, but he has turned his life around by doing what he calls God's work.
Once associated with a biker club, Butterfly said he now has a higher calling.
"It makes me feel like I am paying back for some of the bad I did," said Butterfly.
From a small shed next to his Fayetteville home, Butterfly works on the wheelchairs. He then gives them to people who need one, but can't afford it. He said he sees what a difference it can make.
"We got one out to a terminally ill cancer patient," he said "We got him a scooter, and he is just smiling ear to ear."
Butterfly said he started his ministry just six weeks ago and already has nearly a dozen electric wheelchairs ready to go. He says all the wheelchairs are donated.
He said the people who get a wheelchair can use it free for as long as they need it. He checks on the wheelchairs monthly to make sure there aren't any problems.
"I take a doctor's referral," he said. "I take a caregiver's referral. If a caregiver says, 'I think my client would prosper with one of these,' then we will make it happen."
Butterfly called his work a labor of love. His mission is simple -- to help those in need.
"It's a quality of life issue" he said. "If you can get out, and it puts a smile on your face, then I am a happy camper."
People who want to donate unused electric wheelchairs, or need one, can contact Butterfly at (910) 391-1945. You can find him on Facebook.
