Little Eden calls on CEOs to make a difference

To create awareness about the challenges faced by people with limited mobility, Little Eden Society called on CEOs to spend a full workday in a wheelchair.

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On March 1, the NPO will launch its fifth annual Little Eden Society CEO Wheelchair Campaign.

The campaign, which begins on the first day of National Intellectual Disability Awareness Month, aims to spread awareness about the challenges experienced by people with physical and intellectual disabilities and raise much-needed funds for Little Eden.

Founded in 1967, the society cares for 300 children and adults with profound intellectual disabilities.
Over 70% of Little Eden Society’s residents were abandoned or come from indigent families who are unable to support them financially.

One such resident is eight-year-old Bright.

Little Eden CEO Xelda Rohbeck said Bright has profound intellectual and physical disabilities.

He depends entirely on a wheelchair and his carers for mobility and all of his basic needs.

Xelda said Bright’s most exciting role is being an ambassador for the campaign alongside South African Paralympic rower Sandra Khumalo.

Sandra, an advocate for persons with disabilities, tackles issues such as reproductive rights for women with disabilities and unfriendly disability infrastructure.

Little Eden Society challenged CEOs to participate in the campaign for the opportunity to experience and see the world through the eyes of someone who relies on a wheelchair for mobility.

By spending a day in a wheelchair, Little Eden hopes participants can put their day-to-day frustrations into perspective and make an impact in the lives of some of the most vulnerable members of SA’s society.

Besides gaining perspective and understanding, Little Eden believes the campaign will allow participants to be a mouthpiece for those with limited mobility.

This year, Little Eden Society hopes to raise R1.5-million through its campaign.

It appealed to CEOs to consider an exceptional donation on behalf of their companies.

In acknowledging 55 years of existence of the society this year, Little Eden appealed for donations of R55 000 or R35 000 for SMEs.

To participate, CEOs can choose any day in March to spend a work-day in a wheelchair.

CEOs are urged to share a write-up and photographs of their experience with Little Eden, which will be shared on the society’s website.

They are also encouraged to promote the campaign among fellow CEOs and challenge others to do the same.

Contact Zai Miller at info@littleeden.org.za or visit the society’s website for more information.

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