Casual Day: Making dreams come true for wheelchair bound girl
The National Council for Persons with Physical Disabilities in SA (NCPPDSA) has donated a wheelchair to Mphoentle Masilo, who suffers from osteogenesis imperfecta.
This is a genetic disorder characterised by bones that break for no apparent reason.
The nine-year-old from Vosloorus lives with her single mother Evelyn Masilo, who could not afford to buy a customised wheelchair for her because she’s unemployed.
Masilo expressed her joy at the donation for her daughter.
“My child was born with muscular sclerosis, a condition that affects the spinal cord. She cannot walk unaided. I had to always carry her on my back. Now I thank everyone who made my wish come true. My child is now mobile,” Masilo said.
Casual Day is the flagship project of the NCPPDSA.
Funding that the organisation raises from Casual Day makes it possible for the organisation to assist in providing modified, specially designed wheelchairs for children like Mphoentle.
Mphoentle was all smiles when they handed over her new wheelchair recently.
“When I grow up I want to be a doctor so that I can help all the other children like me. I am so happy that I have freedom now and my mother does not have to worry so much. The wheelchair has changed my life and the life of my family,” Mphoentle said.
Casual Day project leader, Vanessa du Plessis said: “We raise funds for 500 different organisations in the country. Very often, the money raised is what sustains these organisations to provide much-needed services to vulnerable persons with disabilities.
“Thousands of people are helped each year and it is so wonderful to meet the individuals and learn of their stories of hope.”
Now in its 22nd year, Casual Day is the country’s foremost fundraising project for persons with disabilities. It is sponsored by the Edcon Group.
This year their theme is “Up your game, so get casual for a cause and help to change lives, one wheelchair at a time”.
People are being urged to find their local Casual Day organisation and see how they can help.
You may contact the organisers of the project on 011 609 7006 or visit their website at www.casualday.co.za.
The funds are raised as a result of a R10 donation for a Casual Day sticker.
Keep abreast of activities at Casual Day on their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/CasualDaySA Twitter: @CasualDay_SA #CasualDay
