There were tears, smiles and joy when R50,000 raised by the Spar Daily Dispatch virtual Fun Run in November were handed over to the Canaan Care Centre in East London.
The school cares for 65 children with disabilities from all communities.
The money came from entry fees paid by hundreds of runners from across SA who donned purple shirts and takkies, chose their own routes, distances and start times for the virtual event.
On Wednesday, children, carers and staff of the centre gathered under a rainbow-painted playground to receive the money.
Public relations facilitator Leigh Tebbutt said the non-profit organisation supported children from birth to 18 who had severe physical disabilities and profound learning disabilities.
Twenty-four children in wheelchairs were assisted by 11 caregivers, who held the little hands, showed love, care and affection, and hugged those overwhelmed by the excitement.
Staff clapped and sang songs of celebration and were joined by the children.
Daily Dispatch editor Cheri-Ann James was overcome with emotion as she greeted every child who met her with inquisitive eyes and curious fingertips. Many reached out to meet their visitor.
James was led by operational staff along the line, telling her the name of each child.
The women bent down to the eye level of the children or they sat on the floor to allow free movement of those rolling on the floor to express their feelings.
The centre burst into song: “It’s a wonderful day when you are singing!”
“Thank you for choosing us,” a staff member said to the crowd, “Thank you to Spar and the Dispatch. We are overflowing with joy and gratitude.”
She said: “Every child will benefit, from the donation and by your presence.”
She thanked the caregivers, calling them “angels sent from all over”.
With tears in her eyes, James looked around at the group and said she was overwhelmed by the work they did for children with disabilities.
“I am so glad we could help in such a small way. The country needs people like you,” she said.
“The children need people like you. As the Daily Dispatch, we can show people how amazing these kids truly are.”
Tebbutt said the donation would assist the centre with a much-needed kitchen renovation.
The centre’s service and case facilitator said: “Each child is unique, there is no one-size-fits-all for their care.”
She said she witnessed hundreds of micro achievements every day. She was overjoyed by a young girl who had eaten solid food for the first time that morning.
Seeing a child make eye contact for the first time, watching a newborn sit up for the first time — this is hard work succeeding
“Seeing a child make eye contact for the first time, watching a newborn sit up for the first time — this is hard work succeeding.”
She said treatment plans were designed by their occupational therapists for the needs of each child, including dietary requirements, physiotherapy and sensory lessons.
“To see a child who has never smiled, after three years respond to treatment is so rewarding.”
Spar events manager Alan Stapleton was ill and could not attend, but he told the Dispatch: “This event is wonderful. We at Spar have a great partnership with the Daily Dispatch.”
In Gqeberha, Spar held “wheelchair Wednesdays” where the corporation donated R5,000 and managers spent 60 minutes seated in a wheelchair and experiencing shopping that way.
He said to have another initiative in the Eastern Cape for the disabled in Buffalo City was inspiring.
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