Willy’s World helps people live independently

Willy’s World, located at 2192A Chiefswood Road, was opened in 2012 because of the difficulties local businessman Rodney Hill was having trying to acquire the needed mobility and lifestyle aids for his stepson, William Tewishaw, who was diagnosed with cerebral palsy.

Often having to drive to Brantford, Hamilton, or even Toronto to purchase high priced, taxed items, Hill took matters into his own hands and opened his own business on Six Nations Territory, where such items could be made available to others in the community and purchased tax-free.

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Willy’s World now offers a wide variety of products and services to assist in care for the elderly and people recovering from surgery, as well as lifestyle aids for many different living situations.

Colton Hill and Amber Hill help to run the store, acting as Vice President and in-house Homeopath, respectively. Amber completed a three year program in June 2014 at the Canadian College of Homeopathic Medicine in Toronto. She is currently seeking patients in order to complete her externship.

Willy’s World also has a massage therapist, Jacquelynn Hill who offers relaxation massage.

After completing the necessary paperwork, Willy’s World can now offer Onkwehon:we people access to free or partial coverage of mobility and lifestyle aids through the Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) program.

The NIHB offers Native peoples complete or partial coverage on items like canes, walkers, elevated seats, leg lifters, heel and elbow protectors, specialized eating utensils, grab bars for bathrooms and much more.

To receive this helpful benefit that offsets the high costs of mobility issues and surgery recovery, come on in to Willy’s World. All you have to bring is a copy of your status card, a prescription from a doctor or an occupational therapist including diagnosis and some general information with your name and address (for mailing purposes), and Willy’s World will do the rest. No money is needed upfront, as Willy’s World bills NIHB directly, which can be a huge financial relief.

Willy’s World is also in the process of making arrangements with the Assisted Device Program, offering the same direct billing to the company for both Natives and non-Natives, meaning that there is no exchange of money between the customer and Willy’s World.

When asked what his favourite part of the job was, Colton said, “I like seeing the gratitude from people. They come in and ask for a certain product, and are happy that the price is affordable or that it may even be covered by NIHB.” Amber also told us that they are able to order other larger products they may not have in stock, like hospital beds.

If you or someone you know struggles with independent living, stop into Willy’s World, as they offer many lifestyle and mobility aids that can prevent accidents and injuries. Instead of being challenged by everyday tasks or forced into a home for elderly, people can remain in their own homes with the help of a few products, like grab bars or walkers. Willy’s World also offers diabetic socks, loose moccasins (for wide or swollen feet), anti-blood clot socks (used for post surgery recovery), wheelchairs, canes, incontinence products, stability bars, hygiene aids, toilet seat raisers, herbal products and vitamins.

Willy’s World is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday. Call 519-445-0999 for more information.

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