House Otto holds wheelchair dash fundraiser

ARE you excellent behind the steering wheel of a car? Are you a pro at speed racing?

Well, let’s see if you can handle the heat behind a wheelchair.

House Otto, a self-help centre for quadriplegics, is hosting a wheelchair dash fundraiser where contestants will have to race each other in wheelchairs.

House Otto was originally situated in Springs but moved to Kempton Park recently.

The event will be held on March 21 at Veritas College in Springs.

House Otto was established in 1984 as a self-help centre for quadriplegics and provides accommodation and the necessary physical assistance to quadriplegics and paraplegics.

“An opportunity is provided to the residents to further educate themselves through bursaries and capacity building workshops and they have the opportunity in gaining managerial experience by forming part of the management and decision making committees on House Otto’s board,” Don Clarke, event coordinator of Otto House Wheelchair Dash, explained.

“People are welcome to enter as many teams of four members as they like, with an entry fee donation of R1 000 a team. Everyone entering must be 16 years or older. Your company could use this as a team building exercise and in doing so, a good cause will benefit,” Clarke said.

All that is required is a self-supplied standard wheelchair and team. Each team member will be required to propel themselves 250m.

To add excitement and drama to the event, teams will be allowed to “pimp their rides” into different themes, for example transform their wheelchairs into racing cars or even baby prams.

Teams are also encouraged to donate their wheelchair after the dash if they aren’t borrowed.

“If you are unable to enter a team but would like to sponsor this event, your sponsorship will go a long way in making this fundraiser a great success. “All proceeds of entries will go to House Otto and as organisers we appeal for your support for a cause that needs funding urgently, and by showing our support collectively we can make a difference to others and in return be blessed for our efforts,” Clark said.

Companies and businesses can also supply advertising material to be displayed for branding on the day. There will be food and refreshments for sale at the event. These stalls will be run by local ministries, namely the Selcourt Methodist Father’s Group and Trinity Methodist Silver Threads.

There will also be a flea market. Children are welcome and entertainment will be provided for them.

Entry forms need to be submitted by March 10.

Registration is from 9am with the event starting at 10am.

For more information, call Clarke on 011-917-0590 or 011-917-1002.

For wheelchairs, van Wyk 011-828-9000 or send an email to johan@ackermanspharmacy.co.za.