R23.5 million was raised nationally for the fundraising project that has seen members of the public open their hearts to persons with disabilities for almost two decades.
Sunshine Centre co-ordinator Shannon O’Keefe said, “Casual Day participants who donate via the official R10 sticker are always eager to know how we spend the money we raise.
“It will go towards bursaries for children whose parents cannot afford to pay fees. If a centre has a need for equipment and a funder or sponsor cannot be found, we will use the Casual Day funds for buying that equipment.”
Participating organisations and beneficiaries were honoured at a glittering breakfast in Midrand. The highlight of the morning was a rousing talk by wheelchair tennis superstar Lucas Sithole, who lost both his legs and most of his right arm when he fell under a train aged 12.
Sithole went on to become the first South African to win a title at the US Open Wheelchair Tennis Championships.
He spoke from the heart on his triumph over adversity.
“If you can wake up in the morning with dreams you can either get up and go for your dreams or carry on sleeping,” he said.
Sponsored by The Edcon Group, Casual Day is the flagship project of the National Council for Persons with Physical Disabilities in South Africa (NCPPDSA), which this year celebrates 75 years of service to the community of persons with disabilities.
Over the past 19 years, Casual Day has helped the council fulfill its mandate of creating a barrier-free, fully accessible and inclusive society for all, raising almost R195 million.
