Kota Kinabalu: The Wheels of Love Project, a JCI Malaysia Senate initiative jointly organised by JCI Kota Kinabalu and the Lions Club of Luyang A.C.E., raised more than RM10,000 to provide mobility and medical care equipment for persons with disabilities, those with mobility challenges and senior citizens in Sabah.
The project secured 30 wheelchairs, three commode wheelchairs, one electric wheelchair and one medical care bed. They were delivered by the end of August to Sabah Cheshire Home & Services in Kota Kinabalu, Bethany Home in Luyang and Holy Family Residence for Senior Citizens in Papar.
Organising chairpersons Choi Chee Hau and Yeoh Keffrey, together with Lions Club of Luyang A.C.E. president Bosco Wong, coordinated the fundraising and community engagement efforts.
The initiative received support from main sponsor Danai Medi-Wellness, Shareda Youth, Pusat Khidmat ADUN Dilantik Datuk Roger Chin, RAW.ER, Hub Vantage Sdn Bhd and members of the public.
A Merdeka gathering was also held on Aug 15, bringing together members, partners and supporters, with proceeds from ticket sales channelled towards the project.
The medical care bed was donated by the family of the late 1972 JCI Tawau president JCI Senator Leo Chong and the family of the late Madam Yong Chu Mui, in memory of her legacy of care and compassion.
JCI Kota Kinabalu president Snowy Chang said the project went beyond providing equipment, as wheelchairs could give recipients greater freedom and independence while easing the burden on caregivers.
Organising chairperson Yeoh Keffrey thanked the sponsors, organisations, donors, participants and volunteers, saying the strong community response demonstrated how collective support could be turned into practical assistance.
The organisers said the initiative also aimed to raise awareness of the needs of persons with disabilities, senior citizens and caregivers.
JCI Kota Kinabalu will continue its community outreach in September through programmes focusing on childhood cancer awareness, AED accessibility and youth anti-bullying awareness.
