Students’ change changing lives
The students donated the funds to Jumping Kids, an organisation that supports less-fortunate children with amputations.
By emptying their pockets of spare change, UniCollege students helped an organisation that supports one of their own.
On Tuesday, students from UniCollege handed over R3 000 in coins to Jumping Kids, an organisation that supports 80 amputee children with the supply and maintenance of their prosthetic limbs.
Natalie Franklin, UniCollege’s marketing manager, said the donation was a result of the Your Change Can Change a Life project.
“We have been filling glass bottles with change for the last six weeks,” she said.
Even though prosthetic limb sockets can cost as much as R36 000, Natalie said she hoped the donation would make the life of at least one amputee a bit better.
Michael Stevens, manager at Jumping Kids, who is a double amputee himself, was there to accept the donation and said the most important part was to educate other people about the future of prosthetic limb technology.
“There is a new way of prosthetic manufacture that does not compromise on quality. A below-knee prosthetic is made in four steps using eight components, while actual fitment can take as little as 45 minutes. This revolutionary method, combined with a holistic approach to rehabilitation, presents children living with amputations with a new lease on life and a chance to shine,” Michael said.
One of UniCollege’s students, Zane Bauermeister who is also a double amputee, suggested that the funds be donated to Jumping Kids as the organisation had helped him to pay for new prosthetic limb sockets.
Zane’s legs were amputated in 2010. He is now a Business Studies student at UniCollege.
Like Zane, Michael also lost his legs at an early age. “I was electrocuted – 33 000 volts went through my body. I suffered third degree burns and was in hospital for months. Both my legs were amputated,” he told the News.
Now in its seventh year, Jumping Kids is supported by a growing number of volunteers, sponsors, donors, organisations and friends that include some of the country’s top athletes.
If you would like to contact the organisation, go to their website at www.jumpingkids.org.za or call Liezel van Rensburg, the public relations manager, on 082 550 9294 for more information.
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• Students host blood drive amid shortage
• Students gardeners for a day
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