A senior copywriter at FCB Joburg has launched the #30days30wheelchairs initiative and will walk from Johannesburg to Cape Town in just 30 days to raise funds to purchase wheelchairs for 30 people with mobility impairments.
Earlier this year, TJ Njozela was involved in an accident which left him dependent on crutches for eight weeks. The experience left him feeling very vulnerable, as he was not in control of what he could and could not do and had to rely on others for his mobility.
“My experience left me thinking about all those with mobility impairments, who may not have the luxury of a wheelchair, owing to a lack of funds,” Njozela explained. “Instead of merely sympathising with them, I wanted to really make a difference in their lives. That is where the idea for the #30days30wheelchairs initiative was born. Through this, I hope to contribute at least 30 wheelchairs to the QuadPara Association of South Africa (QASA)”.
QASA 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.
QASA’s CEO, Ari Seirlis, 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 initiatives like this one that make it possible for us to help those in need of a wheelchair to get the appropriate mobility solution,” Seirlis explained.
TJ began his journey on the 1 November 2015 at the Protea Industrial Park in Soweto, Johannesburg, and will end it 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,” he said.
Anyone interested into donating supplies for TJ’s walk, please contact TJ on 071 686 6265 or the Lion’s Wing Brand Communication team on 011 888 9816. Monetary donations to the cause are welcome and can be paid directly to QASA either via SMS ‘TJ’ to 40010 or direct transfer to:
Bank: Nedbank
Account Holder: QASA
Account Number: 1339473267
Branch Name: Pinetown
Branch Code: 133926
Reference: 30W Name and Phone Number
To keep track with TJ’s journey log on to his website 30for30.co.za
