Update: Kiara-Leigh wheels her way to her goals
Kiara-Leigh only has 99 wheelchairs to go.
It was an extremely happy day for Kiara-Leigh Thomas (5) on Thursday.
The Grade R learner at Smiley Kids Primrose has been collecting plastic bottle tops to help an elderly person by obtaining a wheelchair for them (GCN, March 9, “Bringing love to the elderly).
She has been working extremely hard on her collection and has managed to collect a large number of bottle tops so far but not enough as yet to get a wheelchair.
However, when Interwaste, which runs the recycling initiative, saw Kiara-Leigh’s story and how dedicated she was to make a difference in the lives of the elderly, they decided to give her and her project a boost by donating a wheelchair to Kiara-Leigh to give to an elderly person.
“It is incredible to see a five-year-old take such a strong stand and want to make a difference,” said Natasha Willcocks, the marketing coordinator from Interwaste.
“The donation of the wheelchair from us is a good boost for her to continue her project.”
Kiara-Leigh was ecstatic about receiving the wheelchair and she wanted it donated to a granny at Elandsvallei Home for the Aged.
Wendy Hahme, the matron for Elandsvallei, said they chose Jean Allen (87) as the recipient as she is starting to battle to walk and is in need of a wheelchair.
“I am very happy,” Kiara-Leigh said.
“I am not sure what the granny will do when she gets her wheelchair but I think she will smile and be happy.”
Kiara-Leigh is continuing to collect plastic bottle tops and is also collecting bread tags and yoghurt tubs to add to her recycling initiative.
“I still want to help the elderly people and I still want to collect enough for 100 wheelchairs,” Kiara-Leigh said.
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Her grandparents, Antonio and Cathy de Jesus, and Antoinette Freyermuth are extremely proud of Kiara-Leigh and thank all who have been involved in helping her make a difference.
To add to the wheelchair donation, Smiley Kids Primrose also donated blankets to the residents of Elandsvallei Home for the Aged.
Owner of the school Hermien Kruger told the GCN they have “adopted” the home and will be making special Mother’s Day and Father’s Day gifts for the home and help where they can.
Natasha told the GCN that a person or organisation needs to collect 450kg of plastic bottle tops for one wheelchair or 45kg of bread tags.
“As you collect you can bring the items to Interwaste where a weigh will be done and this will be documented in a controlled method.
“Once you have the correct weight you must provide documentation of the person or NPO you wish to donate the wheelchair to and then you can collect the wheelchair from us or we will come and do a handover,” said Natasha.
Natasha said Interwaste will also be visiting Kiara-Leigh’s school to give the children a presentation to show how the recycling works so they can understand what happens to the bottle tops they are giving to Kiara-Leigh.
Kiara-Leigh’s parents, Nicita-Nicole and Kyle, are behind her 100 per cent and are proud of their daughter.
To assist Kiara-Leigh with her collection, bottle tops, bread tags and yoghurt tubs can either be dropped off at the school situated at 14 Poplar Street, Primrose or the GCN’s offices situated at 25 Main Road, Fishers’ Hill.
Alternatively, contact Nicita-Nicole on 071 177 7444 or email her at nicita.fourie@gmail.com.
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