Rotary Clubs of Lagos Island and Singapore in conjunction with Ishk Tolaram Foundation have launched their Global Grant Project. Through the project it would give out free 1,700 artificial limbs to the physically challenged. Each costs about N400,000.
At the launch in Lagos, Ishk Tolaram Group founder, Moham Vaswani, said he was glad to assist the less-privileged. He added that he hoped the gesture would impact lives. The septuagenarian said this was part of the industrial giant’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) to its host country.
Rotary Club of Lagos Island President Sanjeev Tandon said his club was happy to offer physically challenged Nigerians and other nationals the rare opportunity to get free artificial legs, urging those who need them to seize it to better their lives. He said his club partnered the sister club in Singapore to boost their programmes as they could not do it alone due to shortage of funds. He advised those who need the prosethic limbs to see the club’s officials who would take them to the Ishk Limb Centre, assuring that they would get one same day.
Rotary Club of Singapore (District 3310) President Dr Shahul Hammed said they supported the Global Grant Project because they wanted those who lost their limbs to be on their feet again, be independent economically and have self-esteem. He said a recipient of the limb could either be employed or be self-employed.
District 9110 Governor Dr Wale Ogunbadejo praised the synergy among the clubs and the Ishk Tolaram Group. He said the aim of Rotary International is to fill the gap where the government and individuals could not assist. ‘’I feel happy that Rotarians from Singapore and Nigeria are coming together to meet the needs of the people,’’ he said. While looking forward to bigger collaboration among Rotarians, Ogunbadejo thanked the Lagos Island Club for the ‘’huge donation’’, describing the club as being on a higher pedestal than others.
Ishk Limb Centre Head of Project Neha Mehra said the aim of the body is to help physically challenged with plastic limbs and arms, which she said are better than wheelchairs. She said the centre has fabricated over 25,000 limbs since its inception in 2009. He attributed the rise in amputated legs to accidents and diseases. ‘’This is why we want to help the people,’’ he said.