Engen celebrates 21 years with R200k donation to children's wheelchair project

Guest speaker Andrew Merryweather with Lungile Dumse, Engen GM Human Capital; Datuk Nizam Salleh Engen MD & CEO; Michelle Tonks from the NCPPDSA and Tasneem Sulaiman-Bray, Engen GM Corporate Planning.

The cheque, which will go towards the Council's 'Shona Buggy Project' to fund the acquisition of specialised children's wheelchairs, was handed over at Engen's Head Office in Cape Town on 3 December - coinciding with International Day of Persons with Disabilities.

Special mobility needs

A grateful Danie Botha Marais, Social Development Co-ordinator of the NCPPDSA, explained that buggies are needed in cases where normal wheelchairs can't meet the mobility needs of persons with disabilities.

"For many, an appropriate, well-designed and well-fitted wheelchair can be the first step towards inclusion and participation in society, not only enhancing mobility but opening up a world of education, work and social life," says Marais.

But, cautions Marais, a one-size-fits-all approach to wheelchairs isn't sufficient to address all needs. "Many children will benefit greatly from the numerous health and wellness benefits of a specialised 'buggy' wheelchair, including alleviation of secondary conditions like pressure sores, improved respiration and upper body control, and even emotional well-being."

The Council has identified a need for 300 wheelchairs per year in the formal schooling system. Outside this context, an additional need exists. Some of these must be Buggies, which can cost more than R10,000.

Embracing diversity

Tasneem Sulaiman-Bray, Engen's General Manager of Corporate Affairs, says the company is humbled to be able to contribute to the well-being of persons with disabilities in a small way. "Engen observes International Day of Persons with Disabilities, knowing fully well that persons living with disabilities are an important part of our inclusive and shared heritage.

"As a company that has long supported children's education, we trust that the added mobility that the 'Shona Buggy Project' envisions will ensure more children living with disabilities are able to obtain a quality education.

"It is also our sincere hope that our small donation will enable these children to scale new heights of success, overcome all obstacles, and ultimately be assimilated into the mainstream working economy."