Society to launch awareness campaign
The campaign is geared towards meeting the needs of advocacy and support for people living with profound intellectual disability.
In a world often ruled by its CEOs and top-level influencers, it is hard to imagine these magnates as vulnerable or helpless. They are powerful players in the South African economy, they rule their organisations and guide them towards success.
But what if they were wheelchair-bound and reliant on others for their everyday needs?
This is the focus of the Little Eden Society’s annual CEO Wheelchair Campaign.
The campaign is geared towards meeting the needs of advocacy and support for people living with profound intellectual disability.
It challenges participants to spend a day at work in a wheelchair, giving participants some understanding of what it could be like to spend their entire life in one.
Also read: Little Eden launches CEO wheelchair campaign
This years campaign will be launched on February 27.
Public relations and communications officer of the society Nichollette Muthige said participants in the 2018 CEO Wheelchair Campaign found the experience to be both rewarding and eye-opening.
“They developed a deeper understanding and compassion for those who live with disabilities.”
Adrian Gore from Discovery said he found the experience to be profound.
“It was incredibly hard in every way. I got home exhausted mentally and emotionally,” said Andrew.
“I cannot begin to imagine the complexity and difficulty of being in a wheelchair or living with any substantial disability, whether physical or mental.”
Also read: DJ Fresh pays a visit to Little Eden Society with a R20k surprise
Maurizio Galimberti of Oberon Pharma (Pty) Ltd confirmed the experience highlighted the difficulties that disabled persons go through as far as their ability is concerned.
“One of the biggest impressions I got from this campaign was the strength required to get from point A to point B in a wheelchair and realising the hardships disabled persons go through on a daily basis.”
Thomas Holtz from Multotec thanked Little Eden for suggesting this challenge and believes everyone could gain by appreciating what the society does for our community.
Once 2019’s campaign is launched participants can choose any day in March to spend their day in a wheelchair.
The Campaign is open to CEOs, business leaders or influencers with a donation of R50 000.
Small businesses may also participate with R30 000 donation.
Also read: Get ready to have a good time at Little Eden’s annual fête
Although Kargo International was not able to participate in the challenge, the company donated R50 000 to the 2018 campaign.
“Supporting Little Eden has always been important to Kargo. The results that it achieves as an organisation are visible and make a significant difference in the community,” said Melissa Erasmus, group human resources manager.
Gore said while his day in a wheelchair was a drop in the ocean of what people actually experience, it gave him an insight of what Little Eden intended to achieve
“The insight left me feeling inspired and hopeful. I say this because the many people I know who live with disabilities who are incredibly productive, high achievers and make a significant impact,” said Gore.
Contact Mary-Anne Wright at perfectword2@trinitas.co.za to participate in the campaign.
