November 27, 2007
By Millicent Kgowedi
TWO dozen wheelchairs have been handed over to the City to help its needy by the Rotary Club Little Falls.
The member of the mayoral committee for health, Matshidiso Mfikoe, together with other officials from the health department thanked the club for the 24 wheelchairs, handed to Region C on Friday, 23 November.
"We went to Rotary Club Little Falls and asked for assistance in getting three wheelchairs for a clinic in Region C," said Abe Mavuso, the assistant director in the health department. "They were very kind to us and gave us 21 wheelchairs extra. And the extra ones that we got allowed us to stretch a helping hand to other regions as well. We will be handing over the 21 wheelchairs to other regions that have shortages."
Speaking on behalf of Rotary Club Little Falls, Ernie Hendriks explained that the organisation was all about volunteering time to help others. "We are a worldwide organisation that aims to help people who are less fortunate than ourselves."
The mayoral committee member for health, Matshidiso Mfikoe, assistant director in the health department, Dr Abe Mavuso, and councillor Dee White thank the Rotary Club's Ernie Hendricks for the donation
(Photo: Enoch Lehung, City of Johannesburg)
There were too many people, especially in Soweto, who needed wheelchairs but who could not afford them. "We have good relationships with Rotaries in other countries which continue to donate new and second-hand wheelchairs to the organisation," he said.
Mfikoe said that the partnership between the City and Rotary Club Little Falls was not for the benefit of the City as an organisation, but it bettered the lives of the residents of Joburg.
"You always see an expression of joy when you give someone something you know they really need."
She added that the contribution of 24 wheelchairs might appear small but it meant a whole lot to the recipients. "We requested three but the Rotary Club gave us 24 wheelchairs, and we are grateful for their generosity."
Also speaking at the hand over, Refik Bismilla, the director of the health department, emphasised the importance of forming partnerships with other organisations to improve the lives of people.
"Whatever we do we should make partnerships. The government cannot do all the work by itself. Our leaders continue to make contacts for us, which result in bettering the lives of our communities."
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