''Give a helping hand'' and support the QASA 2007 fundraising initiative

The QASA 2007 fundraising campaign, “Give a Helping Hand” is set to run from February 19 to March 30, 2007.

Comments QASA National Director, Ari Seirlis, “We ask the public to stand tall for quadriplegics and paraplegics and help us develop self-help centres for independent living. We have a superb formula to create independent living for quadriplegics and paraplegics and we have also assisted many of our members to start small businesses. There are wonderful opportunities through progressive legislation for persons with disabilities to integrate into mainstream society and play a part in the economy. One of our aims is to develop the infrastructure for quadriplegics and paraplegics for small business ventures. Give us a hand by buying a hand and share in our dream of providing for quadriplegics and paraplegics.”

During the fundraising month, the public will be able to show their support for QASA by buying a “Quad Squad Helping Hand”. This funky fashionably coloured nickel pendant (in silver, gold, white and lilac) hangs on a thong and will be available from all Pick ‘n Pay stores nationally for only R10. The monies raised from this campaign will be used to build self-help centres for independent living for quads and paras in South Africa especially in rural areas. Additionally, the funds are used to fund business opportunities in self-help centres for income generation and sustainability.

So all you have to do is go to your nearest Pick ‘n Pay nationwide during Quad Squad month, March 2007, and buy your Quad Squad Helping Hand and wear it where the fancy takes you – around your neck, on your key ring or attached to your cell phone – in fact what about buying quite a few and string them on a chain around your waist? It is a great opportunity to “Wear it and share it.”

Concludes Seirlis, “We are very proud of the fact that all funds raised during the Quad Squad month go towards projects that are aimed at improving the life quality, opportunities and integration of quads and paras. Good development creates momentum and starting blocks for our members to have their dreams come true.”

Further good news for 2007 is that some of South Africa’s most loved celebrities have given their endorsement to our “Give a Helping Hand” campaign. We are delighted that we will have Amor Vittone (Singer, TV personality, choreographer), Loyiso Bala (singer), Pam Andrews (actress and singer), Emmanuel Castis (actor), Loyiso Mangena (singer) and Phuti Komo (model and radio personality) as campaign ambassadors and we know that they will make a huge difference to the public’s awareness and participation.

So, in a nutshell what will the public need to do to participate?

All that you need to do is buy your “Quad Squad hand” for R10 from your favourite Pick ‘n Pay. You can also sms the word “Quad Squad” to 36111 and stand a chance of winning an iPod Nano. The cost of each sms is R5. Nice, simple and fun.

So let’s all be creative, have fun but most of all, show the world what happens when individuals care enough to just give a helping hand… the entire world can change!