Four patients aided through a mere R10 each
MDFSA Gauteng was able to help four muscular dystrophy patients with motorised wheelchairs thanks to generous donations.
It is awesome to see what a R10 here and there could accumulate to — four motorised wheelchairs and larger-than-life smiles from the recipients.
These wheelchairs were proudly handed over to beneficiaries of the Muscular Dystrophy Foundation South Africa‘s (MDFSA’s) Gauteng branch on Friday 29 April by Action Ford Krugersdorp. The ceremony was held at their premises, where television presenter and well-known personality Hannes van Wyk and the crew of Kwêla, a programme on KykNet, were present to film it and interact with the parties involvled. Children from Hoërskool Noordheuwel, Laerskool Krugersdorp-Noord and Laerskool Kenmare attended the function and assisted the recipients in tearing wrapping paper off the wheelchairs.
The money for these wheelchairs was raised during Action Ford Krugersdorp’s Berge en Dale cycling event in February. R10 from every entry was donated to the cause. Participants could enter in either the 55km race or the 102 km race, which started at Cradlestone Mall on the R28 and headed straight up the famous Hillsnacks climb to finish in front of Bergvallei Estate. A prizegiving was held back at Cradlestone Mall.
According to Pieter Joubert, MDFSA’s general manager, “As time goes by, the artms of children affected by muscular dystrophy grow weaker — too weak to propel a manual wheelchair — and they need motorised wheelchairs to move around independently.”
Joubert stated a further requirement for wheelchairs going to muscular dystrophy patients is proper back support, so as to prevent scoliosis. Such motorised wheelchairs cost around R40 500 each.
“It was overwhelming to see the smiles on the children’s faces who received these customised wheelchairs, which will make a huge difference in their lives and improve the quality thereof,” he said.
“We wish to express our warmest thanks to Hartogh Streicher of Action Ford Krugersdorp, Wynand de Villier of ASG and Morné Labuschagne of Brandboom for their generosity.
“We appreciate your support and interest in our organisation,” he concluded.
The MDFSA depend on donations and receive a lot of their monetary contributions from cyclists participating in the annual 947 Cycle Challenge. They even have their own team, the Muscle Riders, competing on behalf of the organisation annually. Entries for the 2016 947 Cycle Challenge on Sunday 20 November are already open.
“Please consider riding for people affected with muscular dystrophy,” Joubert appeals to the community.
For further information, visit the Muscle Riders website at www.muscleriders.co.za or their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/mdfgautengcycle or contact MDFSA Gauteng on 011 472 9824.
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