KHANYA Hospice received a generous donation of five wheelchairs from Dis-Chem on June 26, aiding their mission to support those in need.
It was a great surprise for Neil McDonald, CEO of hospice, when Munjoo Sundraj arrived at the offices with the donation. “We can never have enough wheelchairs. We have given them all out to our patients,” he said.
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The hospice does not only help patients but also people from up-country who often need a wheelchair for a week or two while they are down the coast.
“We get requests all the time – from amputees and others in need. Just last month, we donated one to the KwaMakhutha Clinic after theirs broke,” said McDonald, adding that as a community service organisation, they reach out to the community when and how they can.
This donation is especially timely after staff were dismayed by the condition of some returned medical equipment. Two wheelchairs came back unusable, with missing or damaged parts.
“People are so desperate. One woman took a wheelchair without tyres because she needed to get someone to the hospital for an appointment they couldn’t miss. They were prepared to ride on the rims,” said McDonald.
As a non-governmental organisation, Khanya Hospice relies on community generosity to sustain its operations. McDonald said, “Our services are free to patients but not free for us to provide. Donations of medical equipment, unwanted household items and funds are always welcome.”
For more information, to donate or to support its winter warmth drive this month, contact Neil McDonald at 083 597 8985 or at hospice@khanyahospice.co.za
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