Local Lions support residents with spinal cord injuries

In memory of a Spinal Injuries Association member who passed away 18 months ago, Robert Towns Lions Club is supporting the organisation in order to make a difference to the quality of life for other North Queenslanders who have that level of injury.

Today (Wednesday, 19 May) the hardworking community group presented the Spinal Injuries Association with $2,000 to purchase wheelchair cushions for the organisation’s Equipment Hire service.

Robert Towns Lions Club President Ed Brown said the group wanted to assist the Association because a former member of the organisation, Alan Pierce, passed away in late 2008.

“We supported Alan with various equipment and things in the past, and he often spoke of how the Association was there for him, so we wanted to give something back,” Ed said.

“We like to support local charities and we’re pleased these cushions will make an enormous difference to the people who use them.”

Spinal Injuries Association North Queensland Manager Cathy Lengyel said the pressure-relieving cushions would be added to the organisation’s Equipment Hire service at their Cranbrook office.

“The service is available to people who have a disability or anyone in the community who requires equipment for short or long-term hire,” Ms Lengyel said.

“These cushions are vital for people who use wheelchairs for 12+ hours a day and who are at risk of skin breakdown and pressure sores. A lesion or pressure sore can result in days or weeks in bed recovering, which is of course a huge inconvenience for people who are trying to live independently.”

With around 2,000 members and clients throughout Queensland, this year the Spinal Injuries Association celebrates its 50th anniversary of supporting and assisting people who have a spinal cord injury. For more information, please visit www.spinal.com.au.

Issued 19 May 2010.