New wheelchair for stroke survivor

‘It is in giving that we receive’ and that’s precisely what Renishaw Hills did recently, together with Bread Tags for Wheelchairs and the Quadriplegic Association of South Africa (QASA).

After months of collecting bread tags, as well as bottle tops, some 450kg of bottle tops was collected and with that the donation of a basic wheelchair was made possible and handed over to Gibson Vezi from eMahlongwa.

In 2020, Gibson suffered a stroke which left the right side of his body semi-paralysed and made walking difficult. He had to get a taxi if he needed to get to the hospital, visit friends, do shopping (things that many people take for granted).

This was all costly so he spent most of his days housebound. Not only is Gibson forever grateful that he now has a little more independence and mobility, but his family and friends who support him are also extremely appreciative.

The project teaches the community an important lesson about looking after their environment and how harmful plastic is, if not recycled. People also learn that instead of bread-tags ending up on rubbish dumps, in the sea, on the highways, etc., they can be made into seedling trays, picture-frames, coat-hangers, cornices and skirtings, outdoor furniture, poles and decking.

It teaches people that as a person, you can make a difference but collectively as a team, it’s more effective and faster. It’s the pleasure of giving that is so rewarding and by simply collecting bread-tags and beverage tops, a wheelchair can be given to a person in need. It honestly changes lives!

Thanks go out to all the people who tirelessly continue to ensure the success of this project. It continues to show the power of people working together.

For more information, contact Sue Martin on 083 2612744 or visit https://breadtagsforwheelchairs.co.za/

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