Bread tags for wheelchairs
Through the collection and recycling of plastic bread tags, Martin Ashton donate a wheelchair to 55-year-old Madadeni resident, Dumazile Nkosi on Thursday.
The Tag-A-Ride initiative saw another beneficiary last week.
Through the collection and recycling of plastic bread tags, Martin Ashton donate a wheelchair to 55-year-old Madadeni resident, Dumazile Nkosi on Thursday.
She was born unable to walk normally.
Over the years of Dumazile’s life, she taught herself to balance with her toes, but the strain caused a painful toll on her body.
“She has to go to the clinic every month for her medication and check-ups, but with no transport and living a couple of kilometres away, it is a huge struggle,” Martin explained.
With the help of Ndlovu Wellness Care Group, and Eric Mulaudzi and team from ArcelorMittal’s CSI Committee, a concrete ramp was erected at Dumazile’s home.
“There were steps and she would not be able to get in and out of the house with the wheelchair any other way.”
Through the awareness created by Tag-A-Ride, Martin added, he was often approached by residents who knew of potential beneficiaries.
He then meets the prospective recipient.
“I inspect the whole situation to determine if the person would qualify to receive a wheelchair or what is required, because the goal of this project is to help someone who really needs it but can’t afford it.”
Since the last article on Tag-A-Ride, a 24-hour collection point for the bread tags has been set up at the Engen Shop, next to Mortimer Toyota on Allen Street.
This site was chosen owing to its central location.
“We have 114,4 kilogrammes so far and have another weigh-in session this Friday.”
As previously mentioned, it takes 270kg of tags to earn one wheelchair.
Concluding, Martin thanked each and every community member who committed themselves to collecting the bread tags.
“This is a near-impossible task for one person or even one family, to collect enough tags to be able to buy one wheelchair. We need 270kg, or about 763 560 tags, in other words loaves of bread. Together we can make a difference.”
Residents are welcome to contact Martin on 034 314 7687 or 084 600 8321 if they have an unused wheelchair, even if small repairs are required.
“Please donate it to the Tag-A-Ride Project, so we can fulfil someone’s mobility needs.”
