christmas party for the physically disabled in krugersdorp

Description

The West Rand Association for the Physically Disabled was founded in 1947 to look after the needs of multi-disabled persons on the West Rand. This is being done with the social workers, work centres, a residential facility as well as a day care facility. Any multi-disabled person living in this area can seek assistance from the social workers.

West Rand Association for the Physically Disabled in Krugersdorp, which houses a protective workshop and residence for disabled adults, is 20 years in existence and wanted to hold a "birthday party" for the residents as well as the day workers and support staff (100 in total).They felt that the patients would really love a party as it is something that they had never had, and it would make them feel special. 

Armed with party stuff, our team duly set out to give them their party.

The AVI team

Dirk Nefdt - AVI IT Shared Services
Elsabe Erasmus - AVI Finance Shared Services

Feedback from the project

We wanted to take our residents and day workers for a picnic for Christmas. They seldom go on outings because it is so difficult to transport all 85 of them plus their equipment (wheelchairs etc.). We chose Lover’s Rock Holiday Resort because they have a shallow heated pool, a big pool with a water slide for the stronger people and a small splash pool for the severely disabled. The whole staff helped to make the day
possible and the extra hands made it just so much easier. It was a perfect day and we could not wish for more.

Dirk was Father Christmas and gave a present to each disabled person. They mingled with everybody, helped with the spot prizes and helped with serving the meals. They were very interested in the Association and what we do and asked many questions while taking photos.

We were very happy with the donation of food and drinks and enjoyed the way the volunteers went out of their way to mingle with our disabled. The volunteers however expected a children’s party and not an adult’s Christmas party. That made no difference to the successful way in which they helped with the proceedings.

We wish to thank Dirk and Elsabe for a wonderful day and for spending their precious time with us. We enjoy having “other” people around and spread awareness for the plight of the disabled.

The Executive Board of WRAPD donated cash, Property Giant sponsored the transport in a huge double decker bus. Lover’s Rock gave the venue, plus fires, pap en sous. A private company who wishes to remain anonymous donated the presents. Meat and cool drinks were donated by GGSA and AVI.