Benoni Lakes Lions donate wheelchair and food to double amputee
Lockdown made things difficult and it was initially decided to put the handover on hold until after lockdown
The Benoni Lakes Lions Club donated a food hamper and a wheelchair to Samuel Nkosi, a Daveyton resident, at Lakeside Mall on June 28.
Samuel appealed for help from the community to assist with a wheelchair and food to help him make ends meet during the lockdown. He is unemployed due to diabetes that resulted in both his legs being amputated.
“I saw the article about Samuel on the City Times website a couple of months back and as one of our key projects is diabetes awareness and to help diabetics, I contacted the editor, Lana O’Neill, to see if we could help Samuel. I am also a diabetic, so I can relate to Samuel’s plight,” said Diane Townsend, second vice president of the Benoni Lakes Lions club.
While O’Neill and the intern journalist who had written the story (Kabela Maluleka) were thrilled the Lions had responded to the article, it was no easy feat arranging the handover.
Maluleka spent several weeks hunting Samuel and his family down in Daveyton, as he did not always answer his phone, to finalise arrangements. Lockdown made things difficult and it was initially decided to put the handover on hold until after lockdown.
With much further persistence, Maluleka managed to get Samuel and his son to Lakeside Mall to collect the donations and the Lions were all too pleased this donation could finally go ahead.
“We just hope that we can help more people who are in need of assistance,” Townsend said. “I would also like to thank all our club members who contributed in order to make this donation a possibility,” she added.
The donation was a much needed boost to Samuel who faces difficulties with finding a job.
“I am grateful for the generosity shown to me. This will help to regain my health once more,” said Samuel. “I hope that the club helps other people as well who are in need. May God bless them and extend their good work,” he added.
Tendayi Semusemu, first vice president of the club, said they are proud to have participated in this initiative to help Samuel.
“It is our mandate to give back to the community and to help the needy better their lives,” he said.
