By Flata Kavinga
The Kwekwe Gilded Lions Club has donated a wheelchair and a walking stick to two Kwekwe residents aimed at supporting individuals with mobility challenges in the community.
During a handover ceremony facilitated by Kwekwe Mayor Cllr Albert Zinhanga, Talent Mashonganyika of Mbizo 8 received the wheelchair, while Golden Mamboma of Msasa Park was presented with an adjustable metal folding cane.
Speaking during the handover of wheelchair Cllr Zinhanga said that his office assisted in identifying Mashonganyika as a beneficiary after the Lions Club reached out for help in locating individuals in need.
“The Lions Club approached the office of the mayor requesting assistance in identifying a person in need of a wheelchair. After we started the process, you were among those identified through a rigorous vetting process,” he stated.
The mayor highlighted the Lions Club’s role as the principal donor of the wheelchair, noting their previous contributions to community initiatives in the area.
“We are fortunate as a community that they have been supporting the underprivileged through various social responsibility programs. This is not the first time we have seen the Lions Club helping communities,” Zinhanga added, referencing past initiatives such as an eye-care program at Mbizo Youth Centre and donations to flood victims in Mozambique.
He urged the Lions Club to continue its valuable work in assisting the community.
“As Kwekwe, we want to thank you for this gesture that will help improve the mobility of our citizens,” he said.
Kwekwe Gilded Lions Club Charter President Lion Dr. Hilda Phiri elaborated on the donation, explaining that it resulted from collaboration with other Lions Clubs.
“As Lions, we do not work in isolation. The wheelchair being donated today came from Triangle. We believe that more hands mean more service to the community,” she said.
Lion Phiri said that their club is one of the newest in the Kwekwe and Redcliff area, bringing the total to five clubs in the two towns.
She expressed a commitment to continue collaborating with local leaders to identify residents in need.
“We realize the growth of Mbizo and urge councillors to help identify those in need so that we can mobilize assistance,” she said.
Mashonganyika expressed his gratitude for the wheelchair, noting its importance for his mobility after his previous one had deteriorated.
“I would like to thank the mayor, councillors, and the Lions Club for the donation. Please extend this help to others, as I am not the only one with challenges,” he said.
He shared that he sustained injuries when a mining shaft collapsed at Globe and Phoenix Mine on 18 April 2023 and had received treatment at Kwekwe General Hospital, Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals, and Ruwa Rehabilitation Centre.
Mamboma also welcomed his new adjustable cane, stating it would greatly assist his mobility as he copes with leg issues.
“I experience challenges when walking and sometimes I have to stop and rest. In worse situations, I need to be carried home,” he said, expressing hope that the cane would ease his daily struggles as he continues receiving treatment.
