YMCA Bournemouth is supporting a national campaign to provide walking aids for Gaza
With the humanitarian crisis escalating, it’s estimated there are over 10,000 people who have had one or both limbs amputated with half this number thought to be children.
Crutches, walking sticks and walking aids of all sizes are needed for simple things in life such as getting to toilets, to food and avoid problems caused by immobility.
The Anglo-Jordanian Society, a UK-based charity that promotes friendship and understanding between the UK and Jordan, has launched the ‘Crutches for Kindness’.
It’s urging people to check their cupboards for unwanted crutches, walking sticks, or walking aids that the NHS will not take back and help support amputees in Gaza.
DS Freight has agreed to support in the collection and delivery of the walking aids.
They will then be transported to Jordan by Royal Jordanian Airlines.
From there, they will be sent to Gaza through The Jordan Hashemite Charity Organization.
The donations will be distributed to hospitals and clinics.
Gareth Sherwood, CEO of YMCA Bournemouth, saiud: “This is a simple humanitarian need, 10,000 of our human family need help.
“We have the means to help with a simple donation that is often sitting gathering dust in our homes and with the AJS and College of Medicine, we have created the means to get the donations where it is needed.
“So let’s just give what we have and crack on in making the world a better place for everyone.”
The local YMCA drop-off points are open until Friday August 9 and include:
- The Junction, Station Approach, Broadstone, Poole Dorset BH18 8AX
- Bayside Fitness Club, 54 Willis Way, Fleetsbridge, Poole, Dorset BH15 3SY
- Delta House Hostel, 56 Westover Road, Bournemouth, Dorset BH1 2BS