Alrode Afrox takes part in the Little Eden Society CEO Wheelchair Campaign

A managing director and director of Alrode Afrox joined the seventh annual Little Eden Society CEO Wheelchair Campaign.

The Little Eden Society is a non-profit organisation that is committed to helping 300 children and adults with intellectual disabilities get lifelong care.

The campaign, which aims to raise awareness and support for people who rely on wheelchairs for movement, takes the stage in March as the month recognises Intellectual Disability Awareness Month. The initiative aims to have a significant and long-lasting influence on the lives of our residents, as 64% of them rely on wheelchairs for movement.

CEO of the Society, Xelda Rohrbeck, said that the campaign was a highlight in their calendar as it was their biggest annual fundraiser. It encouraged donors and sponsors to join hands with them to not only raise awareness but also raise much-needed funds for society.

According to Rohrbeck, each person at Little Eden Society presently costs R14 160 per month, and to maintain providing its residents with high-quality care, the organisation has to generate somewhat more than R61 million annually.

“As leaders in the business world, your participation in the CEO Wheelchair Campaign sends a powerful message of commitment to social responsibility and inclusivity.

“By dedicating one workday to this cause, you contribute to breaking down barriers and creating a workplace culture that values diversity and understands the unique challenges faced by individuals living with intellectual disabilities and those who rely on wheelchairs for mobility,” said Rohrbeck.

Managing director’s experience

The managing director of Alrode Afrox, Sebastian Sachtleben, joined the movement on behalf of the company’s CEO and enjoyed the whole experience.

Sebastian said that he enjoyed walking at least a mile in someone else’s footsteps. He claimed that although inclusion is a topic that is frequently discussed, he believes that people rarely truly get what it means to have a disability.

“If there’s one thing this experience has taught me, it’s that to understand the daily requirements of those with disabilities, we need to talk to and consult with them. And then, to demonstrate that we really have a compassionate culture, we must positively respond to those needs and make adjustments,” he said.

He told the Alberton Record that his perspective has widened to understand the possible hurdles that need to be considered to have a workspace that allows people with any disability to work freely and safely.

“I now have a solid understanding of what it’s like to be confined to a wheelchair while yet being expected to complete a full day’s work.”

Director’s experience

In a heart-warming display of solidarity and empathy, the director of Alrode Afrox, Stephen Moran, stepped into the campaign with grace and determination.

Reflecting on his journey, Moran shared his initial reaction to the invitation, and he said that he was excited. He asserted to have learned a great deal about the challenges that people with disabilities experience daily by navigating the difficulties of wheelchair wheeling.

“Though there are issues with buildings and there is still more work to be done before we can completely accommodate those who live with disabilities, I enjoyed it. Furthermore, I believe that it has truly helped me realise this,” Moran said.

This and that

The organisation invites more CEOs to participate in the campaign as they believe that they have much power to change the world for the better.

CEOs are also encouraged to share their knowledge and offer comments, actions, and/or actions on how their company can be more inclusive of people with varying abilities and those who rely on mobility equipment.

For more information, visit www.littleeden.org.za or contact public relations and communications coordinator Gaahele Mokgoro at pro@littleeden.org.za or on 011 609 7246.