In a bid to raise funds for the purchase of 30 wheelchairs to make a difference in the lives of those who suffer with mobility impairments, TJ Njozela, a senior copywriter at FCB Joburg, has taken the courageous decision to embark on a crusade to walk from Johannesburg to Cape Town in just 30 days, starting the #30days30wheelchairs initiative.
The initiative is spurred on by an accident that occurred earlier this year, which left TJ dependent on crutches for eight weeks. He explains that this left him feeling vulnerable, as he was not in control of what he could and could not do.
“What started as a sports injury has turned into a walk from Joburg to Cape Town. Even though it was temporary, not being able to walk had a huge impact on my life. Suddenly, I was unable to do simple things that we normally take for granted, like driving to work, playing with the kids, or just simply going for a walk.”
“That’s when I thought about people who are in wheelchairs and how much more difficult it must be for them. Then I thought about the people who don’t even have a wheelchair. I realised that I was fortunate that I would be able to walk again, but not everyone is that lucky. I might not be able to help people walk again, but, with your help, we can definitely help them be mobile, giving them the chance to enjoy life.”
“#30days30wheelchairs is an effort to raise awareness about mobility impairments, and also raise money to buy wheelchairs for the people who need them. But more importantly, it is a way that each of us, as ordinary people, can help to change lives.”
“Through this, I hope to contribute at least 30 wheelchairs to the QuadPara Association of South Africa (QASA).”
QASA (QuadPara Association of South Africa) strives to prevent spinal cord injury, as well as protect and promote the interests of people with mobility impairments by formulating a national policy and strategy to develop and ensure the full potential and quality of their lives.
Ari Seirlis, the CEO of QASA, will join TJ on the walk for a few hours to encourage and remind him of the important cause for which he is embarking on this journey.
“It is our mission to develop the capacity of people with mobility impairments, and it’s actions like these that make it possible for us to help those in need of a wheelchair to get the appropriate mobility solution,” explains Ari Seirlis.
TJ will begin his journey on the 1st of November 2015, starting at the Protea Industrial Park in Soweto, Johannesburg, and ending at the Sea Point Promenade in Greenpoint, Cape Town. During his walk, he aims to interact with people with mobility impairments, or that would benefit from having a wheelchair.
“I hope that the initiative inspires others to do what they can to make a difference in the lives of those less fortunate,” says TJ.
Anyone interested into donating supplies for TJ’s walk, please contact TJ on 071 686 6265.
Monetary donations to the cause are welcome and can be paid directly to QASA.
To donate to the cause you can simply SMS TJ at 40010 starting from the 20th of October.
To keep track with TJ’s journey click here!
QASA bank account details:
Bank: Nedbank
Account Holder: QASA
Account Number: 1339473267
Branch Name: Pinetown
Branch Code: 133926
Reference: 30W Name and Phone Number
