The SBS Group has begun preparations for the 2023 SBS Wheelchair Challenge. This year’s event will be held on 30 March and preparations are underway to top previous funds raised in 2021 and 2022 which exceeded R280 000, create more awareness of the challenges faced by those living with limited mobility and encourage other businesses to get on board and host their own events.
“In 2021 I was challenged to spend a day in a wheelchair as part of the Little Eden CEO Challenge,” says Delayne Gray, CEO: The SBS Group. “SBS had been involved with the Made for More Adaptive Surfing programme for many years, helping the organisation get people living with mobility challenges into the surf in Durban, so this was right up our alley.”
In 2021 a target of R30,000 was set and quickly exceeded with R88,000 in funds and wheelchair donations raised. The bar was set even higher for 2022, at what seemed to be an unrealistic R120, 000 following the challenging year businesses and individuals had faced. But this also proved to be no challenge for SBS supporters with fundraising closing out at R195 000. Funds were distributed to Little Eden, Made for More, AHHH and used to purchase equipment for wheelchair basketballers, the eThekwini Spears. Wheelchairs were also donated to Little Eden, Aunty Hanneli’s Helping Hands (AHHH) and to individuals identified by SBS employees, suppliers and clients.
“What was initially to be the SBS CEO spending 14 hours in a wheelchair in March 2021, turned into something incredible, both in 2021 when we were coming out of Covid lockdowns and in 2022 when we were trying to recover from the riots and looting,” Gray said.
It has now become an annual event for The SBS Group, with a section of the Pinetown production facility cleared to create a court kitted out with nets and spectator stands and staff, suppliers, clients and other SBS supporters invited to join in the day, spend time in a wheelchair and participate in the wheelchair basketball matches against the pros.
“This year, we want to challenge our clients and suppliers, and anyone else who is willing, to host their own event or spend time in their workday in a wheelchair to help us build this into an even better event. I would like to challenge business people to get onboard with us this year. Spend time in a wheelchair during your workday, raise funds and donate or even host your own event. We are happy to help you get started. Tax certificates can also be issued for all donations.”
The SBS Group aims to create awareness of the stigma and challenges faced by individuals with limited mobility. Daily tasks such as reaching for a tea cup in a high cupboard, navigating a standardised bathroom and moving in and out of buildings, vehicles and parking bays are far more difficult to accomplish when seated in a wheelchair.
Are you Onboard?
DONATE :
SBS Solutions SA, Nedbank LTD
Durban Branch (198765)
Current Account: 1184536988.
SWIFT Code: NEDSZAJJ
Please use your name and WC23 as your reference.
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