Corne thrilled to receive powered wheerlchair

“I am thrilled and overwhelmed by the donation. I can fully integrate into my work and social life again.”

These are the sentiments of Ms Corne Olivier, who has been a participant at the Aim Centre since 2000, after receiving her powered wheelchair during a hand-over held at the Aim Centre in Kensington on Friday, June 20. Corne’s previous powered wheelchair was 10 years old. It was beginning to showing signs of wear and tear.

Prior to the hand-over, the management of the Aim Centre approached Ms Sandy Heyman, the chairperson of the Gauteng Provincial Association for Persons with Disabilities (GPAPD), for advice.

Ms Heyman in turn approached Ms Beena Chiba, the director of GPAPD.

“Ms Chiba was delighted to assist with a powered wheelchair for Corne due to a generous payout from the National Lotteries Distribution Trust Fund (NLDTF),” said Ms Bernice Michalec, the project co-ordinator at the centre.

She said although the hand-over was a small gathering of people, the new wheelchair will make a life-changing difference to Corne.

“In spite of her spastic quadriplegia, she values her independence. Her powered wheelchair has enabled her to feel part of society due to her increased mobility,” said Ms Michalec. @JoburgJourno