Wheels of Hope: Mobility and Joy
In October 2024, the Lions Club of Khulna Paigram Kashba embarked on a life-changing mission to donate wheelchairs to physically disabled individuals in their community, celebrating both the October Service Program and World Lions Day 2024. Led by the visionary leadership of Sir Abid, the club’s founder, director, and immediate past president (IPP), this initiative aimed to restore independence, dignity, and mobility to those who had long been confined by their disabilities.
The Story of Anwar – A Journey Back to Independence
The first recipient was Anwar, a 40-year-old man whose life had drastically changed after a devastating accident left him paralyzed from the waist down. Once a strong, hardworking individual, Anwar was now completely dependent on his family for basic needs. The accident not only affected his physical mobility but also his mental and emotional well-being, as he struggled with the loss of independence.
When the Lions Club members, including current and past presidents, arrived at his home, Anwar could hardly believe the gift he was about to receive. The donation of the wheelchair represented much more than just a piece of equipment—it symbolized hope and a return to self-reliance. With trembling hands and a heart filled with gratitude, Anwar sat in the wheelchair for the first time, realizing that his world was about to expand beyond the limitations he had known for so long. Tears filled the eyes of his wife and children as they saw Anwar move around their home independently for the first time in years. It was a moment of triumph for Anwar, his family, and the Lions Club.
The Story of Arif – Opening the World for an Autistic Young Man
The second recipient was Arif, a 25-year-old young man with autism who had also been physically disabled. His condition left him unable to explore the world outside his home, and he had spent much of his life watching others live the life he dreamt of through the window. Arif’s mother, Shabnam, had devoted her life to caring for him, but the challenges of his disability had limited what they could do together.
When the Lions Club arrived at their home with a brand-new wheelchair, Arif’s excitement was palpable, even though his communication was limited. As he sat in the chair, his world changed. No longer confined to the indoors, Arif could now experience the outside world, interact with his community, and gain a sense of independence that had always been out of reach. For Shabnam, this wheelchair meant the world—it gave her son the freedom she had always dreamed of for him.
Visionary Leadership and Lasting Impact
At the heart of this life-changing initiative was Sir Abid Habib, whose leadership and vision had guided the Lions Club for years. His dedication to humanitarian service and uplifting the most vulnerable in the community had inspired the entire club. The wheelchair distribution program wasn’t just about providing mobility—it was about giving people their lives back, offering dignity, and creating opportunities for individuals like Anwar and Arif to reclaim their independence.
The entire Lions Club team, including board members, present and past presidents, took an active role in these donations, personally visiting the homes of those in need to deliver the wheelchairs. It was a testament to their commitment to hands-on service and a reflection of the Lions Club’s values of compassion, solidarity, and action.