R3-million empowerment for those living with disabilities

In celebration of International Day for Persons with Disabilities on 3 December at a Jet store in Midrand’s Mall of Africa, Edcon announced their success in raising R3.9 million for the cause.

The funds were raised through sticker donations by customers at various Edcon outlets throughout the year to commemorate the day. Jet store raised the most funds and staff members were awarded a R10 000 prize for their dedication to making the campaign a success.

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“As Edcon, we strongly believe in the principle of an inclusive environment for all – not only in the workplace but across all sectors and areas of society. It was humbling and remarkable to see our staff members take on the challenge and raise R3 million in support of organisations working with persons with disabilities,” said Dr Urin Ferndale, chief executive for Jet.

Earlier this year, Edcon revealed a three-year extension of its contract as anchor sponsor of Casual Day, prolonging the partnership with the National Council for Persons with Physical Disabilities (NCPPDSA) to six years in an effort to support their advocacy work for the empowerment of persons with disabilities, and to eliminate prejudice, social isolation and discrimination across South Africa.

According to South Africa’s white paper for the rights of persons with disabilities, people with disabilities face different levels of discrimination and exclusion. Women and girls with disabilities may face double discrimination based on both disability and gender.

“Prejudice and marginalisation of persons with disabilities remain rife in our society and needs to be addressed. As Edcon, we are committed to the inclusion and protection of persons with disabilities. Our partnership with the NCPPDSA amplifies our ongoing support for diversity through initiatives such as disability learnerships, employment, as well as access to equal opportunity,” he added.

Ferndale further stated that it was important to focus on the ability and not on the disability of an individual. “We raised conversations on disability on our social media platforms to help educate our communities. We then took on the initiative to raise more funds this year than ever before engaging with our staff who were excited to reach this goal and they did.”

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Vice chairperson of NCPPDSA, Dorothy-Anne Howitson said that funds raised through the Casual Day campaign would go towards advocacy of rights, empowerment and provision of resources to help support persons with disabilities. “Edcon has been instrumental in enhancing the lives of persons with disability through empowerment, dignity and respect in their partnership with Casual Day. We can never thank Edcon enough,” said Howitson.

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