Crutches for Kindness: Local YMCA becomes collection centre

YMCA South Devon has become a collection centre for crutches and walking aids as the humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to escalate.

It is estimated there are more than 10,000 people who have had one or both limbs amputated, including an estimated 5,000 children. Crutches, walking sticks and walking aids of all sizes – for adults and children – are desperately needed.

The Anglo-Jordanian Society (AJS), a charity based in the UK that promotes friendship and understanding between the UK and Jordan, has launched the “Crutches forKindness” campaign, supported by The College of Medicine.

The AJS and HRH Princess Sarvath, a Joint Patron withHRH Prince Hassan and HRH Duke of Kent, hope tospread the word through AJS members and its partners tomotivate the public to check their cupboards for unwantedcrutches, walking sticks, or walking aids to help support amputees in Gaza.

The equipment can be dropped off at the YMCA South Devon in Dartmouth Rd, Clennon Park, Valley, Paignton TQ4 6NX, during regular business hours, from Monday to Friday until Friday 9th August 2024.

HRH Princess Sarvath said “Watching the tragedy unfold in Gaza, where amongst the many displaced and injured, arethousands of amputees, I was reminded that many homes in the UK probably have some perfectly serviceable crutches used just once, but then put away and forgotten. These can well be reused by those unfortunates, many of whom are being rehabilitated in Jordan. This would be a simple way to provide some much needed support. If the idea of “Kindness Through Crutches” succeeds, it will be but a drop in the ocean of what is needed, but every little thing counts, and I am enormously grateful to everyone who has supported the idea.”

His Excellency Ambassador Manar Dabbas, JordanianAmbassador to the UK, added ”The extent of the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza is indescribable. Every contribution matters. Everyone can be an advocate for humanity. Collective, rapid and coordinated humanitarian campaigns are much needed even more today. We praise the “Crutches for Kindness” campaign and invite everyone to support it. Every contribution, however little, will have an immeasurable impact.”

Members of the public who do not have any crutches or walking aids but would like to help, can make a donation to the AJS, where proceeds will go to buying some crutches on their behalf and contribute to packaging costs of the crutches. Donations can be made via the AJS website: https://a-j-s.org.uk/donate/

DS Freight have agreed to collect and deliver the walking aids. They will then be transported to Jordan thanks to the generosity of Royal Jordanian Airlines. From there they will be sent to Gaza through The Jordan Hashemite Charity Organization – The JHCO.

These donations will make a significant impact to the livesof individuals, providing them with much-needed support and mobility and will be distributed to hospitals and clinics where they can benefit the most vulnerable.

HOW TO DONATE

–​If you would like to make a donation to buy somewalking aids, please donate via our website: https://a-j-s.org.uk/donate/

Proceeds will go towards the Crutches for Kindnesscampaign to buy some on your behalf and contribute to packaging costs.

You can join us on our social media pages, follow us on Facebook, X (formerly known as Twitter) and Threads where you can keep up to date with whats going on in South Devon.

Got a news story, blog or press release that you’d like to share or want to advertise with us? Get in touch via email admin@wearesouthdevon.com