By Khanyisile Mbambo
Physically challenged residents of Phoenix who do not have the means to purchase their own wheelchairs now have the freedom of mobility. Feedy Needy, a non-profit organisation, is distributing wheelchairs and walkers in various communities every week to make residents’ lives a little easier. The community expressed delight at receiving wheelchairs and walkers since the commencement of the drive last week.
Spokesperson for Feedy Needy, Reena Rampersad said: “Covid-19 has taken an unprecedented toll on the world and is changing the way we access and interact with those around us. Being an organisation that sees to the basic needs of the community, Feedy Needy has embarked on a wheelchair and walker drive in an effort to help the sickly and physically challenged regain some normality and live a more fulfilled and capable life.
“Some physically disabled people have the inability to financially support themselves or their families and have a lack of access to social services like healthcare and education due to mobility impairment. For a handicapped person, a wheelchair is not only a means for mobility but it is their world itself. Feedy Needy wishes to enhance a sense of pride and self-reliance as these individuals work, pray and go about their daily lives.”
Feedy Needy has been in existence for the past ten years. Their work is not only restricted to the Phoenix community but throughout the province of KwaZulu-Natal. Rampersad called for the community and businesses alike to come on board and support this worthy cause. “Feedy Needy is not funded by the Department of Social Development or any other government funding. Our source of funding is from private departments, local businesses and individuals. We humbly appeal to business houses and the community at large to assist us in our venture to help as many people in need of these wheelchairs as possible.
The wheelchair and walker distributions will take place throughout the year,” said Rampersad. She added that the handovers are done in confidentiality. “We do not expose or disclose our recipients and their identities. The recipients are screened and all Covid-19 protocols are adhered to. Our team is ever- ready to assist anybody that requires the aid of a wheelchair or walker.”
For more information or to support the wheelchair drive, contact the Feedy Needy offices on 031 824 6501 or 061 497 8240.
