Several men and women lose their limbs due to health reasons or accidents. Most of them do not go for artificial limbs because of the high costs involved.

‘Gift a limb, Gift a life’ is one of the projects of The Coimbatore Circle Round Table 31 that gives people, who cannot afford to have their limbs replaced, a pair of artificial limbs, thus helping them stand on their own feet once again. Now, this project provides artificial limbs in two categories – below the knee, and above the knee.

“This project was started in 1987 and we have successfully provided artificial limbs to more than 10,000 people till date. Every month Artificial Limb Centre (ALC) provides and fits artificial limbs for at least 15 people who cannot afford to do so,” Parmasivam R, ALC, says.

This centre is located in R.S. Puram and is funded by the 19 members of the Coimbatore Circle Round Table 31. This centre has about 35 people who are on the wait list to have a pair of artificial limb fitted.

As soon as ALC receives a request from an individual for artificial limbs, the professionals at this centre take the measurements of the patient. The artificial limbs are sourced from places like Jaipur, Delhi, Chennai and some of them are made locally.

The patient is given a date when he or she can visit ALC to have the limbs fitted. Once the limbs are fitted, professionals at ALC also offer training to patients so that they are able to manage their routine activities without any hindrance.

There are also good hearted Samaritans who choose to donate money for a pair of limb for their birthday or anniversary. There are corporate donations too.

Those who are interested in making a donation to this project can contact 94437-93037.