Fifth CEO wheelchair campaign gets rolling
“Through this campaign, we can provide the best care to our residents and create awareness of the challenges faced by those with physical disabilities.”
With March dedicated to Intellectual Disability Awareness Month in South Africa, Little Eden Society launched its fifth annual CEO Wheelchair Campaign on March 1.
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CEOs taking part in the campaign were challenged to spend one workday in a wheelchair.
The campaign created awareness about the challenges faced by people with limited mobility and raised much-needed funds for the society that cares for 300 residents with profound intellectual disabilities.
Little Eden Society was joined by its ambassadors, SA Paralympian Rower Sandra Khumalo and Little Eden resident eight-year-old Bright, with several community members and CEOs.
The society’s CEO, Xelda Rohrbeck, who spent the day in a wheelchair, said the society looks after the most marginalised members of society, some of whom come from indigent families.
“Through this campaign, we can provide the best care to our residents and create awareness of the challenges faced by those with physical disabilities.”
Khumalo spoke about her love for children, particularly those with disabilities.
“I enjoy coming to Little Eden because of the friendly faces and warm smiles,” said Khumalo.
“I have worked with gender-based violence initiatives and have noticed the impact that abuse has on children and how they end up being depressed.
“My work allows me to encourage them to be confident despite their disability.”
Deputy director of the SA Federation for Mental Health Leon de Beer said supporting the work of Little Eden has tremendous value for the federation and himself as he has a soft spot for the society.
“When I think about the value of service, I always think about what would happen if that service was not there. All these amazing residents would not have a place to call home,” said de Beer.
“It’s something you can’t put a price on, so it’s an honour for us to be a part of this campaign.”
Public relations and communications coordinator of Little Eden Society Rethabile Lechela thanked those who attended the launch.
The society encouraged CEOs to take part in the campaign to see the world through the eyes of someone who relies on a wheelchair for mobility.
She highlighted that by spending a workday in a wheelchair, participants will put day-to-day frustrations into perspective.
Contact Lechela on 011 609 7246 or at pro@littleeden.org.za for more information or to join the campaign.
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