Mall of the North takes rights of disabled seriously

Mall of the North participated in the Wheelchair Wednesday challenge presented by Association for Persons with Disability (APD), and took their challenges to heart last week.
The Wheelchair Wednesday Campaign raises funds and creates awareness for wheelchair-bound persons and the challenges they face daily.
One R6 000 entry buys a beneficiary chosen by the company a new wheelchair. Mall of the North Marketing Manager Mari Delport and Court Sales and Public Relations (PR) Manager Tabitha Lekganyane were issued with two wheelchairs in which they had to complete their challenge.
Their tasks included going to a supermarket and attempting to reach products on different shelve heights and from fridges or to try and fit shoes.When a team engages in the challenge they need to spend a total of four hours wheelchair bound with team members expected to spend at least half an hour per turn.
A short presentation on the basic principles of steering the wheelchair, turning and stopping, reversing and getting up a step when no ramp is was demonstrated APD’s Public Education and Awareness/Fundraising Officer Johnny Graham.
Mari Delport, Marketing Manager at Mall of the North said “It was a great eye opener for me to spend a day in a wheelchair. Everyday tasks that I would usually do in a matter of seconds became very difficult and at times very frustrating.”
She said that she noticed the helpfulness of the people in the shops. “The security guard at Checkers immediately gave me a shopping basket without me having to ask him. I really appreciated that,” she said.

Story and photos: Alet-Elize van Jaarsveld
>>alet-elize@observer.co.za

Featured Photo: Mall of the North employees Thabitha Lekganyane, Court Sales and PR Manager and Mari Delport, Marketing Manager on their way to start their challenges.