Five wheelchairs donated to Little Eden Society
The wheelchair donation to Little Eden Society will improve the lives of its vulnerable individuals with severe physical and mental disabilities.
The community uplifted the vulnerable members of society at the Little Eden Society with wheelchair donations.
In commemoration of National Disability Rights Awareness Month (November 3 to December 3), the Little Eden Society, a care facility that has offered specialised care for more than 50 years, received generous donations to improve the lives of its residents, especially those with severe physical and mental disabilities.
On November 7, the Sweethearts Foundation, in partnership with Aquazania, the Paige Project and the Johannesburg Mini Council, donated five wheelchairs to the society.
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Alexia Shuenyane from Bidvest Services South Africa attended.
Ann Coetzee, the CEO of Little Eden, thanked all the role-players.
“This is a fantastic event because it raises awareness for those with disabilities and brings together the community.
Over the past 57 years, Little Eden has been a haven for some of the most vulnerable members of society, individuals who, due to their disabilities, cannot fend for themselves.
“Events like today, where we receive support from organisations, individuals and companies, help ensure we can continue our work and provide for these residents in a loving, supportive environment,” explained Coetzee.
She thanked Little Eden’s dedicated staff and volunteers, especially the occupational therapists.
“Our special carers are the most amazing people, who spend 12-hour shifts looking after these incredibly vulnerable people, as well as the management and the team out there.
“These all cost, and it means we must have support from the community, from organisations with high-net-worth individuals prepared to put their time and money into an organisation like this and make it successful.
“A big thank you to my two occupational therapists – Rebecca Aitken and Ruth Stubbs from the Paige Project – a contractor here.
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“Her CEO, Grant Nock, decided to choose Little Eden as the beneficiary of these five wheelchairs from the Sweetheart Foundation,” she added.
Jessica Gordon from the Sweetheart Foundation shared how their unique initiative has helped give wheelchairs to those in need across SA by collecting plastic bottle caps and bread tags.
“We collect plastic bottle caps and bread tags, and through partnerships with organisations like Little Eden, we can repurpose these materials, which are then sold to recyclers. The funds generated buy wheelchairs for those who need them.
“This is a sustainable way to make a real difference, not just by supporting people with disabilities but also by reducing plastic waste,” said Gordon.
The Sweetheart Foundation has run this recycling programme for almost a decade and is now a national volunteer network.
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Through partnerships with businesses and community groups, the foundation has already given thousands of wheelchairs to people who otherwise might not have access to such vital equipment.
Paul Levine, the CEO of Aquazania, one of the corporate partners behind the initiative, said as a company that produces a lot of plastic, they have a responsibility to ensure they contribute to environmental sustainability.
The collaborators hope to make the initiative an annual event and encourage community involvement and support.
Levine also emphasised that businesses taking action in environmental conservation and social responsibility is crucial.
Sharing Levine’s sentiments was Latoya Hendricks from Aquazania, “We’ve seen firsthand how small acts can have a big impact.
“Involving young people, like learners from local schools, in this initiative is vital because it teaches them the value of recycling, caring for others and being responsible citizens.
“It’s all about making it easy for the community to participate, and we want to make this an annual initiative that grows yearly.”
Levine added, “The youth are our future, and by involving them in something like this, we are helping people with disabilities and teaching the next generation how to contribute to their communities in a tangible, impactful way.”
Little Eden encourages the community this Disability Month to volunteer their time or donate toys or monetary. For enquiries, call Coetzee on 082 678 9077.
