Spending 4 hours in a wheelchair

POLOKWANE – Wednesday, July 2, was the first day of Wheelchair Wednesday at The Association for Persons with Disabilities (APD). Wheelchair Wednesday is an APD campaign in support of people living with disabilities, who use wheelchairs.

Companies participate in the campaign by sponsoring at least one wheelchair worth R6 000. Each company chose a child who would receive the wheelchair. A representative of each company would also spend four hours in a wheelchair doing tasks given to them by Johnny Graham, Limpopo APD promotions and awareness officer.

The first two participants were Mall of the North and Bolivia Lodge. Mall of the North sponsored three wheelchairs and will do their time in the chair in November.

Bolivia sponsored one and spent four hours in the wheelchair on Wednesday. The representative from Bolivia Lodge who participated in the campaign was John Makondo.

“I’m doing this to show compassion to those who cannot walk,” he said.

Each participant received certain tasks to complete such as going to the supermarket, withdrawing money from an ATM and fitting new shoes at a retail store.

“Going to the supermarket was challenging, especially getting products from the top shelf. But I received help from the staff. Every one at the banks that I visited were very helpful.”

The activities that John had to do at Bolivia Lodge seemed easier and he received help from his colleagues.

René van der Merwe, marketing manger at Mall of the North said they got involved in the project to show they cared.

“We receive so much, we love to give back. If we can make someones life a little easier, we will do it.”