The annual CEO Wheelchair Campaign, hosted by Little Eden Society, turns for its sixth year. Launched on the first of March, the campaign aims to raise awareness and compassion about the challenges experienced daily by those who rely on wheelchairs for mobility. The campaign was launched in line with the start of the national Intellectual Disability Awareness Month which takes place throughout the month of March.
In attendance were representatives of South African Federation of Mental Health, the campaign ambassador Paralympian Sandra Khumalo, donors and participants of the wheelchair campaign, staff and residents of Little Eden. At the launch, attendees were challenged to a short race and obstacle activity.
Deputy director of the South African Federation of Mental Health (SAFMH), Leon de Beer, who spent the day manoeuvring around the society’s premises as a participant in the campaign, explained that it was very important to create awareness within societies about intellectual disability and the challenges that persons who rely on wheelchairs face.
“Persons with intellectual disability ranging from mild, moderate, severe and profound in community settings are often excluded from employment and learning opportunities,” he said. “Therefore it is our duty in partnership with organisations such as Little Eden to raise awareness about the capabilities and abilities of persons with intellectual disability to show that they are able to meaningfully contribute towards society like everybody else.”
CEO of Little Eden, Xelda Rohrbeck, who also spent her workday in a wheelchair, said that the organisation hoped to reach its target of R1,5 million raised through this initiative, which will go towards the care of 300 residents at the Home.
“Sitting in the wheelchair for a day, gives you a different perspective, and better understanding of the limitations that your office holds, and, at the same time, advocating for the rights of people with physical and, in the Little Eden context, intellectual disability,” Rohrbeck said.
Little Eden aims to reach its goal by recruiting CEOs to sign up and spend the day in a wheelchair – at the office or home – during March. Financial donations are encouraged. To participate, businesses can reach out to Nadine Mason on nm@littleeden.org.za.
