Mall of the North treats patients with spinal cord injuries on Casual Day

On Friday a group of people with spinal cord injuries celebrated Casual Day with a delicious lunch, followed by a movie at Mall of the North.
Mall management, in collaboration with Cappuccinos Pizzeria and Grill Café and Ster-Kinekor Mall of the North used their Casual Day celebrations to show people who are wheelchair bound that the mall is more than equipped to handle their special requirements.
Carers, family members of the patients and personnel of the Department of Health who are tasked with helping these patients reintegrate into society were also included in these festivities.
Spinal cord injuries, damage to any part of the spinal cord or nerves at the end of the spinal canal often causes permanent changes in strength, sensation and other body functions below the site of the injury. This type of injury often leaves the patient wheelchair bound or unable to move around without assistance. Mmaketu Dikotla, Manager at Ster-Kinekor said it was a privilege to be able to treat people who rely on wheelchairs to get around to a movie and to show them just how accessible the Ster-Kinekor theatres are.
Cappuccinos Pizzeria and Grill Café Manager, Leonard Visagie echoed Dikotla’s sentiments and said his team loved spending time with their guests and ensuring that they enjoyed a tasty lunch.
Mari Delport, Mall of the North Marketing Manager said the mall is committed to making every shop as accessible to disabled people as possible. “We decided to let them sit back, relax and enjoy some of the entertainment that we have to offer.”
One of the spinal cord injury patients who took part in the trip to the mall said it was great fun to get out of the daily rut and to do something fun with her friends.
Veronica Nchabeleng, who attended the Casual Day outing with her son, Thapelo said it was wonderful to see how businesses reached out to disabled people. “One of our biggest challenges is to access certain buildings, shops and public bathrooms, but at Mall of the North we can relax, knowing that we will be able to get around comfortably,” she said.

Story and photos: MARKI FRANKEN
>>marki.observer@gmail.com

Featured photo: People with spinal cord injuries, their caregivers as well as personnel from the Department of Health and Mall of the North are ready to enjoy a meal and a movie at Mall of the North on Friday.