A wheelchair for Lewis

Walk on Wheels Australia contacted the Redland City Bulletin wanting to assist Lewis after reading his story recently published by the newspaper.

Lewis received his wheelchair on Monday and Walk on Wheels is also assisting with the paperwork to obtain government funding for more of Lewis’ mobility needs.

Matthew Woosnam, business manager for Walk on Wheels Australia, said the donation of a new and more suitable wheelchair to Lewis would provide him with the support his disability requires.

The Bulletin interviewed Lewis and other homeless people who were being helped by Night Ninjas, a Redlands-based organisation that helps people are living on the streets, in bushland and in cars.

Night Ninjas’ founder Alix Russo said there had been an overwhelming response from the community to articles in the Bulletin.

“The one day I went through all the messages and I just sat down and cried with happiness,” she said.

She said another volunteer was helping with the admin for the group because of the phone calls, messages and emails they had received.

Ms Russo said schools, organisations, businesses, charities and registered nurses had offered their help.

“People have asked what we need and the next day it is dropped off on the doorstep,” she said.

There had been offers to help the organisation with their website and sponsor printing.

Almost every day Ms Russo received calls from people offering to volunteer.

“We have now got a volunteer co-ordinator as we have no shortage of people asking if they are able to help.”

After struggling to find accommodation for a retired 67-year-old man who received an income, there was a quick response to a request on the Night Ninjas Facebook page.

“I just put something out on Facebook and someone responds.”

Ms Russo said the group was in need of unisex tracksuit pants for some of the homeless people they were helping.

Night Ninjas can be contacted through their Facebook page ‘Night Ninja's Australia’.