In a wheelchair for 4 hours for a good cause

POLOKWANE – Coca-Cola Fortune personnel spent four hours in a wheelchair in the name of charity on Wednesday.

This was in support of Wheelchair Wednesday at the Association for Persons with Disabilities (APD). Wheelchair Wednesday is an APD campaign that supports people living with disabilities, and who use wheelchairs.

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

Coca-Cola Fortune sponsored three wheelchairs, with three of their personnel taking on the tasks. Tasks included going to the supermarket, withdrawing money from an ATM and fitting new shoes at a retail store.

Susan de Wet, one of three participants, shared her experience: “Entering my office was a little bit difficult around the table and narrow spaces, but I went in and out of the office more than once on my own. When I went to the bathroom to wash my hands, I couldn’t reach the towel to dry them. I had to get something to eat at the canteen; my assistant had to help me as my arms were already very tired and sore, I have blisters. My colleagues were very friendly and helpful”.