Wheels roll for a good cause

POLOKWANE – Wednesday, July 9 was the second day of Wheelchair Wednesday at The Association for Persons with Disabilities (APD).

This week’s Wheelchair Wednesday saw Lekker Fireplaces, Braais and Décor and Nashua Limpopo take part in the campaign.

The companies who are participating in this campaign have sponsored at least one wheelchair worth R6 000 to a child chosen by that company.

Thereafter, the representatives from each of the companies have to spend four hours in a wheelchair and complete tasks such as using toilet facilities and shopping, given by Limpopo APD public education and awareness officer, Johnny Graham.

Both Nashua Limpopo and Lekker Fireplaces, Braais and Décor have sponsored one wheelchair in their pursuit to help. Representatives from Nashua Limpopo who participated in the campaign were Auguste Ueckermann and Len Vavassori.

Ueckermann spent four hours in a wheelchair and said even though the tasks were difficult, some were still achievable with a little effort.

“Using the bathroom facilities was difficult as they are not wheelchair friendly with small cubicles.

However, making copies was easy enough as the copier is in a main open plan office with enough space to move around,” Ueckermann said.

“Life is about attitude and it is wonderful that we can make a difference for the better even if it’s in one child’s life by sponsoring a wheelchair,” said Vavassori.

Representatives from Lekker Fireplaces, Braais and Décor were Erna and Deirdré Maré.

“We plan to meet the beneficiary of the sponsored wheelchair soon. Lekker Fireplaces, Braais and Décor believe in charity and giving back to the less fortunate,” said Erna.

Erna spent four hours in a wheelchair and said she had to make lunch in the small kitchenette and managed to get the food from the refrigerator and prepare salad.

“I could stretch to get food into the microwave, but could not set the timer or heat it. And I could not wash the dishes.”