A WHEELCHAIR-bound man has been given a new lease on life after the East London community raised funds to buy him a vehicle fitted with an electrical hoist.
In 1994 the Daily Dispatch reported that Shane Smith was one of seven people, including a 13-year-old, injured when three gunmen opened fire on their taxi as they headed to work in Mdantsane’s NU1.
Speaking to the Daily Dispatch yesterday Smith, who was a lecturer at the Vulindlela Training College and was left paralysed from the neck down, said he had been blessed.
“Thanks to the two people who saw a need and started a fundraising initiative and also the EL community who helped in making this dream a reality,” he said.
The two individuals who launched the initiative wish to remain anonymous.
Brian Bennets, a pastor at Abbotsford Christian Centre where the Smiths also congregate, said all praise should be sent to the community.
“I was approached by different people who wanted to do something for Shane; we then joined forces with them and set up the account and embarked on other fundraising initiatives such as a high tea and an auction.
“The rest of the funds came from lump sums of money donated by people who knew Shane and Colleen and other people who had seen their story.”
Last year the Daily Dispatch reported that a group of locals had rallied together and opened a fund for the purchase of the vehicle.
“This has been a real community effort, we merely assisted where we were needed,” said Bennets.
Smith’s wife, Colleen, has been looking after him since the attack, helping him with all his physical needs, including helping him in and out of the car when travelling.
Last year Colleen was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis which made things more difficult for them.
Colleen said the new vehicle has made life easier.
“This new vehicle makes travelling much more enjoyable for me, but especially for him. Going out was always a problem because of the strain of being in an uncomfortable position, now I can get him into the car with just a click of a button,” said Colleen.
She said that the new vehicle, a VW Caddy, came complete with the hydraulic lift for his wheelchair already installed.
Smith, said he still could not believe the generosity shown to him.
“We are so happy with the new Caddy with hydraulic hoist. Sometimes one feels the need to pinch oneself to make sure that it is real and not just a dream.
“We see this as a gift from God that we do not deserve.” — ziphon@dispatch.co.za
Kind gesture changes life of wheelchair-bound Shane
In 1994 the Daily Dispatch reported that Shane Smith was one of seven people, including a 13-year-old, injured when three gunmen opened fire on their taxi as they headed to work in Mdantsane’s NU1.
Speaking to the Daily Dispatch yesterday Smith, who was a lecturer at the Vulindlela Training College and was left paralysed from the neck down, said he had been blessed.
“Thanks to the two people who saw a need and started a fundraising initiative and also the EL community who helped in making this dream a reality,” he said.
The two individuals who launched the initiative wish to remain anonymous.
Brian Bennets, a pastor at Abbotsford Christian Centre where the Smiths also congregate, said all praise should be sent to the community.
“I was approached by different people who wanted to do something for Shane; we then joined forces with them and set up the account and embarked on other fundraising initiatives such as a high tea and an auction.
“The rest of the funds came from lump sums of money donated by people who knew Shane and Colleen and other people who had seen their story.”
Last year the Daily Dispatch reported that a group of locals had rallied together and opened a fund for the purchase of the vehicle.
“This has been a real community effort, we merely assisted where we were needed,” said Bennets.
Smith’s wife, Colleen, has been looking after him since the attack, helping him with all his physical needs, including helping him in and out of the car when travelling.
Last year Colleen was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis which made things more difficult for them.
Colleen said the new vehicle has made life easier.
“This new vehicle makes travelling much more enjoyable for me, but especially for him. Going out was always a problem because of the strain of being in an uncomfortable position, now I can get him into the car with just a click of a button,” said Colleen.
She said that the new vehicle, a VW Caddy, came complete with the hydraulic lift for his wheelchair already installed.
Smith, said he still could not believe the generosity shown to him.
“We are so happy with the new Caddy with hydraulic hoist. Sometimes one feels the need to pinch oneself to make sure that it is real and not just a dream.
“We see this as a gift from God that we do not deserve.” — ziphon@dispatch.co.za
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