Rotarians’ give the freedom of movement
It is envisaged that in the nearby future, a total of 110 wheelchairs will be donated to people in need.
OSIZWENI – Easing the plight of 16 elderly people, Majuba Rotary Club partnered with ArcelorMittal to donate new wheelchairs to the oSizweni Centre of Hope on Monday, February 27.
“Now each member with a disability will have their own wheelchair, whereas previously they were using one wheelchair among 16 people,” said club secretary, Daniel Couper.
Also read: Majuba Rotary Club gives thanks
The club identified a drastic need for wheelchairs by people living with disabilities in July last year.
“After much research and investigation, various organisations, as well as individuals in need of new wheelchairs, were identified by the group. Wheelchairs were priced and we managed to source new wheelchairs at reasonable prices from the Wheelchair Foundation in the United Kingdom (UK) with the help of fellow UK Rotarians,” said Mr Couper.
Due to the cost of buying and importing wheelchairs, the club looked for a partner to help fund the project.
After many meetings, ArcelorMittal got on board with Majuba Rotary, thereby kickstarting the Mobility=Freedom wheelchair project.
He said much consideration was given to the name, because without these wheelchairs, people with disabilities had no freedom of movement. Some were bedridden, and a wheelchair would allow them to move around freely, he continued.
It is envisaged that in the nearby future, a total of 110 wheelchairs will be donated to people in need.
Mr Couper thanked everyone who contributed to the success of the project, as well as Nico Oosthuizen who provided the transport of the wheelchairs from Durban Harbour to Newcastle.
Also see: Man spends 43 years in wheelchair on wrong diagnosis
Majuba Rotary Club will host a fund-raiser, A Night @ the Races on March 24 at The Pines to raise more funds for the Mobility=Freedom wheelchair project. A table for eight guests cost R2 000, and businesses especially are encouraged to support this event.
For bookings as a company or individual, or for more information, contact Daniel Couper on 082 560 4722 or alternatively, email him at couperda@gmail.com.
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