Donation helps the disabled
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DURBAN, South Africa — "Service is the rent we pay for living on this planet," said South Africa Durban Mission President Danny Brock, as he stood in a large reception room on Dec. 1 among children and young adults with disabilities, who came to receive new wheelchairs from the Church and the Rotary Club of Durban Umhlatuzana, South Africa.
"It is a sacred duty to help the needy," President Brock continued, speaking in Durban's City Hall to a crowd of dignitaries, youngsters, and representatives of Durban's community, Rotary Club dignitaries, the press, and missionaries. "It is true Latter-day Saint doctrine to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, help the widow in this Church or in another."
Five hundred wheelchairs were handed over to Chris Wilkinson, president of the Rotary Club of Durban Umhlatuzana, for distribution through various organizations. The presentation took place prior to Durban's participation with World AIDS Day 2005. This project was developed through efforts of Karl and Donna Snow, country directors for Church Humanitarian Services.
Guest of Honor Counselor Dr. K.V. Moodley of eThekwini Municipality, an AIDS activist, said, "The Mormons are not one of the larger religious congregations in town, but we are impressed with their enthusiasm to advance the struggle against poverty and despair."
Ari Seirlis, the national director for the QuadraPara Association of South Africa, said, "Wheelchairs are a symbol of freedom," as he sat in his own wheelchair. "Today, we are getting 500 pieces of freedom which will integrate these children and adults back into life's mainstream."
