Local retailer gives disabled boy the gift of mobility
Young boy with neurological disorder receives brand-new wheelchair.
Spreading hope to the community, one family at a time, Pick n Pay Princess Crossing helped lessen the weight around one mother’s shoulders.
Staff and senior Pick n Pay management brought rays of new year sunshine to Keabetswe Magonare as they handed over a brand-new wheelchair for her son on January 11. Nine-year-old Karabo has a neurological disorder that leaves him unable to walk or talk, and he has yet to attend a day of school.
The donation came about after a fellow resident of the Princess informal settlement, Ernest Phoshoko, approached management at the store. Ernest had grown used to seeing Keabestwe carrying Karabo on her shoulders and his heart grew heavy.
“I would see her every day and the weight was becoming too much for her. She would struggle to get to the shops and it hurt me,” explained Ernest.
Pick n Pay’s National Customer Service Coordinator, Glen Millar was on hand to deliver the new wheelchair. “For this initiative we partnered with QuadPara Association of South Africa. Through our partnerships with other socially responsible entities we are able to bring relief to those in need. We like to focus our efforts where the need is greatest. Caring for the most vulnerable in our society is our priority, with an extra-special focus on women and children.
“For everything that the communities around our stores put in, we aim to match that with everything we put back into the community. We hope the wheelchair is able to add something positive to their lives,” said Glen.
As well as the brand-new wheelchair, Karabo and Keabetswe received R1 000 worth of essential groceries. “She is very happy. She did not expect the gesture and she thanks Pick n Pay for making the effort to help her and her son,” said Ernest, translating for Keabetswe.
Ernest and Keabetswe were very appreciative of the donation but stressed the difficulties of caring for a disabled child in an informal settlement. Keabetswe has also been unable to secure schooling for her son, with Ernest asking for assistance in finding an educational facility that can cater for Karabo’s needs. The journey back home may still be tough, but made that little bit less strenuous.
