Rotary clubs in Albany and Katanning were among the organisations that helped provide a sea container full of mobility devices to people in Fiji living with disability.
The mobility devices for Fiji project was inspired by Albany-based pastor Joseph Raikoti and he was on hand with Member for O’Connor Rick Wilson to celebrate the delivery of the shipment in Suva.
The mobility aids included wheelchairs, walkers, crutches and walking frames, all collected by volunteers throughout Mr Wilson’s electorate.
Mr Wilson said meeting the recipients in Fiji had been a rewarding experience.
“It was incredibly moving to meet recipients and see firsthand the difference these devices will make,” he said.
“These aids provide more than mobility; they provide independence, dignity, opportunity and inclusion.”
The official handover was hosted by the Fiji Disabled Peoples Federation and was attended by Fiji’s deputy prime minister Manoa Kamikamica, who acknowledged the positive impact the equipment will have on the lives of Fijians living with disability.
Mr Wilson thanked the Rotary Club of Albany City, and the Rotary clubs of Esperance, Katanning and Manjimup for their support, along with the many volunteers who helped collect, store, ship and distribute the equipment.
He said he was grateful to Geoff Griffiths and family for co-ordinating collections in Albany, while Rhys and Tracy Ravenhill provided free storage facilities for the donated equipment.
“This project demonstrates the generosity and compassion of people across regional Western Australia,” Mr Wilson said.
“It is a wonderful example of communities working together across borders to create life-changing outcomes for others.
“Projects such as this remind us that the strongest relationships between nations are often built not through governments but through communities, churches, service organisations and ordinary individuals achieving extraordinary outcomes.”
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