:: APD Physical Disability Charity Greater Johannesburg Gauteng South Africa ::

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LOTTO SCAM THE LATEST ATTACK

In August APD Director Dave Fox expressed concern over the number of fraudsters targeting non-profit organisations (NPO’s) and issued a warning to all NPO’s to be on the lookout for such activities so that they do not fall prey to these unscrupulous syndicates.

The latest attack involves the use of the Lotto’s name. It is common knowledge that the NLDTF has had serious problems this year and that it has had a very negative impact on many welfare organisations. In light of this, it was indeed welcome news for the APD Greater Johannesburg when we were contacted by a certain Greg Jacobs who claimed he was from the Lotto and informed us that all welfare organisations would be getting R50 000 from the NLDTF as a Christmas gift to compensate in a small measure for the problems experienced during the year.

Our suspicions that it could be a scam was confirmed when Jacobs left a message on our answering machine to say that R64 200 had erroneously been deposited into our account. This is part of the normal modus operandi – the next step being to ask the NPO to pay the difference (in this case R14 200) into an account being used for the scam. As the cheque used in the original donation will definitely not be honoured, you will lose the money paid to these unscrupulous operators.

Says APD Corporate Communications Manager Jeanette Maclean: “I must congratulate FNB. Shortly after the amount had been deposited into our account they contacted me and warned that the cheque used in the transaction had been stolen! At that time our Director had already made contact with the National Welfare Forum requesting that they alert the NLDTF and all welfare organisations, so I don’t think Jacobs could have been very successful. I am, however, absolutely amazed at the following article which appeared in the Business Day of 1 December!”

Click here to Download pdf

Devilliers Rolihlahla new APD President

Sports fanatic, family man and a person with a deep passion for community development - especially in disabled and disadvantaged communities - are words that could be used to sum up the newly elected President of the Association for the Physically Disabled Greater Johannesburg (APD), Devilliers Rolihlahla. However, they would not go far enough in describing the deep commitment he has towards all three.

Devilliers was elected as the first black President of the ADP at its Annual General Meeting recently. He replaces Dave Thompson.

Says Devilliers; “I identify with people who identify with people with disabilities and working in the disabled sector gives me joy.” He was born with underdeveloped limbs and suffered from post polio paralysis.

It was precisely for this reason that Devilliers left teaching after 20 years as a maths teacher in Soweto. “I realised that no matter what I achieved in terms of delivery, I was not really appreciated. I was always identified as a person with a disability.”

Devilliers says there remains a great deal of discrimination towards people with disabilities, especially when it comes to service delivery and attitudes.

And, Devilliers is not taking it lying down. Daily in his position as the disability coordinator in the Services Seta, he works tirelessly towards opening doors and empowering disabled people in the work environment.

His main interest lies in developing and upskilling people to achieve independence and become successful in their chosen careers.

“There are many gaps in economic development, especially with regards to people with disabilities. It is sad that there are so many people out there whose skills are simply not being utilised.”

But it is not only on the work front that Devilliers makes his presence felt. While still teaching he joined the APD in Soweto and was later deputy chairperson. He also served on both the Soweto and the Gauteng Disability Forums and is a board member of the APD Greater Johannesburg.

He, however, still finds time for his other great passion – sport. “Being disabled never stopped me from being an athlete.” He coaches disabled soccer and was previously a member of the SA Football Association in Soweto.

Born in Soweto, Devilliers matriculated from Umtata St John’s College and attended the University of Zululand where he obtained his first degree in Education. He continued his studies at RAU and holds a diploma in Mathematics, a B Ed Honours and a Certificate in Human Resources.

The other great loves of his life are his wife, Fay and his pride and joy, 13-year-old Thando.

BB and Scouts set tough corporate team building challenge

Corporates are challenged to show their mettle during the exciting BB Annual Corporate Obstacle Challenge which will be taking place later this year.

According to APD Director Dave Fox, all money raised through the obstacle challenge is in aid of the APD. “Needless to say, we are extremely grateful to the Scouts for all their hard work in constructing and managing the obstacle course for us.

“I invite all corporates to take part in our thrilling obstacle challenge, which was a huge success last year. Show your strength, will-power, determination and why you are a leading force on the business front by entering a team now. Please keep an eye on BB’s web site (www.bb.org.za) for the latest developments in this regard.”

For further details contact Nicki on (011) 783-4533 or Lee on 083 285 8706

How does your company rate?

The APD Greater Johannesburg is urging all companies to assist them to get an accurate assessment of success in the workplace regarding Employment Equity and how successful they are in accommodating people with physical disabilities in their organisations.

Says APD Communications Manager, Jeanette Maclean: There has been much written in the media about employment equity and unfortunately a fair percentage of it reflects rather negatively on South African employers.

“However, we believe that many employers have taken positive steps but it is not being showcased. At the APD we have an initiative, Barrier Breakers, which can assist companies not only to address this issue, but also to showcase their success.

“As part of Barrier Breakers we have established a website which will feature profiles on employers who have been successful in accommodating people with physical disabilities in their organisations.

“We also undertake assessments, looking at issues such as accessibility.”

To find out more contact Erhard on (011) 646-8331.

Go To Barrier Breakers website

APD WARNS ON SCAMS TARGETING NPO’S

The Association for the Physically Disabled Greater Johannesburg (APD) has expressed concern at the number of scams and fraud targeting non profit organisations (NPOs), and has issued a warning to other NPOs to be on the lookout and not to fall prey to these unscrupulous syndicates.

Director Dave Fox says the APD has been targeted on a number of occasions over the past few months, the latest on Tuesday 15 August involving the fraudulent use of Pick ‘n Pay’s information, but fortunately has not become a victim.

“How they often operate is that they approach an organisation, using the name of a well-known company or organisation. They inform you that they have made a donation but that an error was made in the deposit amount and you were paid too much. They then request you to refund them the balance. If you check your bank account, the money does reflect, but within a few days it bounces.”

Other times attempts are made to get access to banking information. He says that a dead giveaway that these are scams is that they use landline telephone numbers which do not exist and free internet email addresses. They also give you cell phone numbers which large organisations are unlikely to do. In addition, the logos are often poor quality artwork.

“Our concern is smaller Community Based Organsations (CBOs). We find it scandalous that there are people out there who would wish to target organisations whose very existence is to unselfishly serve their communities.

“They are also under tremendous financial pressure and are dependent on funding. To deprive them of their small income in this manner is not only a criminal act but despicable,” says Fox.

Rehabilitation International (RI) Welcomes Agreement on the Draft UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

Representatives from the National Council for Persons with Disabilities in South Africa (NCPPDSA) recently attended the United Nations Seminar and General Assembly , where the Draft U N Convention on the Rights of Persons with Physical Disabilities in New York, was passed. In view of the importance of this document, and its tremendous benefits for persons with disabilities, NCPPDSA makes available this media release issued by RI:

Rehabilitation International (RI) Welcomes Agreement on the Draft UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

(United Nations, 30 August 2006) – RI congratulates all governments and civil society organizations involved in the negotiations of the United Nations Draft Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which was finalized on Friday, August 25 after an intense two-week session.

This Convention is the result of five years of negotiations at the United Nations, with unprecedented participation of numerous persons with disabilities and their representative organizations, including many RI members and colleagues.

Michael Fox, President of RI, called this a “most historic moment” at a Seminar on Implementation of the UN Convention, held just one day after the treaty was finalized. The Seminar was organized by RI and the US International Council on Disabilities (USICD). During opening remarks, Mr. Fox noted “This treaty, which represents the first human rights treaty of the 21st century, is a milestone for persons with disabilities, governments and advocates who have been committed to this process. RI and its global membership will continue to work together with colleagues to ensure that this treaty is implemented and has a significant impact on the quality of life of the more than 650 million persons with disabilities worldwide.”

The Seminar key note address was given by Ambassador Don MacKay, Ambassador of New Zealand to the UN in Geneva, who also serves as Chair of the negotiations on the UN Convention. Other distinguished speakers from governments and civil society included Professor Theresia Degener, member of the German delegation during the negotiations.

The Convention specifically prohibits discrimination against persons with disabilities in all areas of life, including access to information, public facilities, services and rehabilitation, together with the right to education, health and employment.

One of the key provisions of the new Convention is the establishment of a committee of experts, including people with disabilities, to monitor the progress on implementation in States who join the treaty. However, the disability community noted with concern a last minute compromise on the right of persons with disabilities to make legal decisions. Near the close of the negotiations, the Committee added a footnote questioning interpretation of this right in Arabic, Chinese and Russian languages. RI supports statements made by several governments on re-visiting this footnote before the Convention is adopted.
The text will now be discussed by a Drafting Committee, to review the technical accuracy of the treaty, before submitting the Draft Convention for formal approval by the Ad Hoc Committee, which serves as the forum for negotiations. The Convention is scheduled to come before the 61st session of the General Assembly for final adoption later this year. The treaty will then be open for signing and ratification by all UN member countries, with 20 ratifications needed for the treaty to enter into force.

# # #
For more information on the UN Convention and contact details of experts within the RI membership, please contact Tomas Lagerwall (sg@riglobal.org), RI Secretary General, or Shantha Rau (Shantha@riglobal.org), Senior Program Officer, at +1-212-420-1500.

About RI
Founded in 1922, RI is a global network of people with disabilities, government agencies, service providers, researchers and advocates promoting and implementing the rights and inclusion of people with disabilities. RI is currently composed of over 700 members and affiliated organizations in more than 95 nations, in all regions of the world.

RI works closely with other disability organizations, actively participating in the International Disability Alliance (IDA), a coalition of the world's largest international organizations of and for people with disabilities.

RI also maintains official relations with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), the World Health Organization (WHO), the International Labor Office (ILO), UNESCO, UNICEF, the UN Economic & Social Commission for Asia & the Pacific (UNESCAP), the Organization of American States (OAS), the European Union (EU) and the Council of Europe, among others.

For more information about RI, please visit: http://www.riglobal.org.

APD Golf day celebrates its 21st birthday in great style

THE RAFFLE WINNER IS MR S WALTERS FROM EDENVALE.

The Parkview Golf Course was once again the venue for the ever popular Annual Golf Day for the Association for the Physically Disabled Greater Johannesburg (APD) on Friday, 8 September 2006.

Says APD Director, Dave Fox: “The event has a proud history and when it started 21 years ago Gary Player’s wife, Vivienne, was actively involved. Apart from the great hills at Parkview Golf Course, which golfers always enjoy, this year we had a number of other wonderful attractions on the agenda.

These included an American auction where a choice of a flip in a Tiger Moth or a wonderful holiday was auctioned and thousands of rands worth of prizes and gifts. Andy Capostagno was the auctioneer.

Other celebrities who supported the day were Arnold Geerdts, Dan Retief and Radio Today announcer, Doug Anderson.

“We were also very excited about the fact that we had a fourball consisting of disabled players. On this note, our sincere appreciation to Cheiron Health for their sponsorship,” says Fox.

While the main reason for the Golf Day is to generate much needed funds for the people with disabilities, players over the years all agree that it is a great event with this year no exception.

JUNE 2006
APD GREATER JOHANNESBURG GRAVELY CONCERNED ABOUT NAMIBIA POLIO OUTBREAKS

The Association for the Physically Disabled (APD) Greater Johannesburg says it is gravely concerned about the polio outbreak in Namibia. It is, however, relieved to learn that South Africa is on high alert for any cases of polio and that the Department of Health is proactively addressing the problem.
Says Director Dave Fox: “Our organisation, which started in 1934 as the Cripples’ Care Association, gained first hand experience of the devastating effects of this disease during the extensive polio outbreak which occurred in the first half of the 1900’s, before a vaccine became widely available in 1955.

Dave “While the World Health Organisation has targeted polio as an illness which it would like to eradicate through vaccination campaigns in the early part of this century, it remains a threat to developing countries. South Africa also plans to fast track the 2007 mass immunisation campaign to be completed by the end of the year.

“We are pleased to learn that South African health authorities have put every possible measure in place to prevent the importation of polio to South Africa and have called on health professionals to be on the lookout for polio symptoms. They seem confident that there will not be a spread of polio to South Africa.”
He says polio is an issue of great concern to organisations which work with disabled people. There are two main forms of the illness - a mild form and a serious form which can result in paralysis. In the more serious paralytic form, less than 25 percent of people have permanent disability, about 25 percent have mild disability and more than 50 percent recover fully. However, when there were many incidences of polio in the early 1900’s, it was a major cause of disability.

“Organisations such as the APD are already stretched to their full capacity and operate with very limited resources. Everything possible must be done to not only prevent the spread of polio but also to assist the Department of Health in their efforts to eradicate polio fully in our country.”

NOVEMBER 2005
APD IS BREAKING DOWN BARRIERS

Johannesburg joined in the worldwide celebrations leading up to International Day of Disabled Persons (IDDP) on 3 December with the recent launch not only of Disability Awareness Month, but also an exciting Barrier Breaker (BB) Campaign by the Association for the Physically Disabled (APD) Greater Johannesburg.

A key element of the BB campaign is a goodwill SMS message campaign aimed at establishing a world record for the largest number of virtual balloons released into cyber space.

Participation in the SMS Campaign is easy (visit www.bb.org.za). At a cost of R5, you can SMS a message and virtual balloon to someone you know via the number 36831. The virtual balloons are stored on BB’s website and will be released into cyber space at midnight on 31 December. All proceeds go to the APD in aid of people with physical disabilities.

Says APD Chairperson Patrick Mabunda: “The theme for this year’s IDDP is Rights of Persons with Disabilities: Development in Action, and we are throwing our weight fully behind this initiative. Our response is to spread goodwill through both the SMS campaign and a fun-filled BB festival at the University of Johannesburg rugby stadium on Saturday, 26 November.

“Both will be a platform for people with disabilities (PWDs) to show just how capable they are. Furthermore, it will create an understanding of and address the human rights issues (eg accessibility) of PWDs in a creative manner. All-in-all it is a celebration in honour of the thousands of PWDs who face and overcome obstacles every day of their lives – the real barrier breakers.

“We appeal to everyone to join our campaign. South Africans are a caring nation. Often they want to show support and make a difference, but they just don’t know how. What could be simpler than sending a goodwill SMS during the season of goodwill and not only making a difference to a PWD’s life, but spreading goodwill among your friends and family,” says Mabunda.

To find our more or to participate, please contact Jeanette Maclean at the APD on (011) 646-8331 or visit www.BB.org.za.

BARRIER BREAKING FESTIVAL PROMISES LOADS OF FUN FOR WHOLE FAMILY

A highlight of this festive season will be the Barrier Breaker (BB) Festival on Saturday, 26 November at the University of Johannesburg rugby fields (Perth Road, Westdene), with the organisers going to great lengths to provide novel forms of entertainment and activities for the people of Johannesburg.

Organised by the Association for the Physically Disabled (APD) Greater Johannesburg, key attractions include the presence of the South African and New Zealand disabled rugby teams who will provide an exciting demonstration.

Other highlights include: a “Mini Kili” (join Kilimanjaro King Bernie Goosen); the Scouts Obstacle Course (for corporates); a wheelchair obstacle course and other fun-filled activities such as egg and spoon races; Find BB (a treasure hunt with a difference) and a mass balloon release (tying in with the BB SMS Balloon campaign). There will also be many great competitions with super prizes, including buying a piece of the largest wheelchair layout ever done in Johannesburg.

BB Festival

Starting at 10h00 and ending at 18h00, there will also be arts and crafts, celebrity appearances - including your favourite YoTV stars and Simba the Lion - games, a beer garden with a big screen highlighting memorable sporting moments of the past, a tea garden, bumboarding, fun fair and loads to eat and drink as well as live entertainment.

APD Chairperson Patrick Mabunda says that many of the activities have been specially planned in keeping with the barrier-breaking, overcoming obstacles and building bridges theme.

“The festival is going to be a day of good, clean fun for the whole family at only R10 per adult and R5 a child, which also entitles you to a balloon. All proceeds are in aid of people with physical disabilities.”

AUGUST 2005
MOBILISING SOUTH AFRICAN LEARNERS

Life is about to change for more than 530 children with physical disability across South Africa over the next few months when they receive a brand new wheelchair from Game Stores and Vodacom.

The two companies donate an equal percentage of their profit on every Vodacom cellphone sold at all Game stores to a special wheelchair fund.

When the last beaming children to benefit from this year’s R1 million drive propel themselves home in their very own wheelchairs, they will be part of a group of more than 2 600 learners to have done so over the past seven years. In this time the Game and Vodacom wheelchair fund will have provided wheelchairs with a value of R3,7 million to youngsters in need.

Another 58 children will receive assistive devices such as crutches, rollators and walkers.

The National Council for Persons with Physical Disabilities in South Africa is an active partner in the initiative. Their offices around the country help to identify the children in their region with the greatest need for a wheelchair.

“It is heartbreaking to see disabled children being unable to move around or being driven around in a wheelbarrow which frequently happens in rural areas,’ says Siphiwe Mahlangu, the Council’s manager for social development and transformation. ‘This is most distressing for their parents and families who cannot afford a wheelchair because of poverty.

“It also has a major impact on school attendance. For many disadvantaged youngsters, a wheelchair is the difference between being able to attend school or staying at home uneducated. Life is difficult enough for these children without being denied an education.”

The wheelchairs come in all shapes and sizes depending on the age and needs of the recipient. Many are custom-designed to suite the conditions where the children live which is particularly important in rural areas with rough terrain. All are SABS-approved folding models with sport mag wheels, solid tyres and removable arm and foot rests. They have an average value of R1 500 each.

“A wheelchair brings mobility and independence to youngsters with disability and liberates them from many of the restrictions they endure,” says Fanus Nothnagel, managing director of Game Stores, part of the Massmart group. “This empowers them to develop in new directions and realise their full potential.

“For this reason our ongoing wheelchair drive is a key component of our social investment programme which focuses on providing an education for children in need in the communities served by our stores.”

Enquiries can be directed to
Jeanette Maclean, Association for the Physically Disabled
(011) 646-8331,
Iris Sellan, Game Stores, tel: (031) 302-8173, 082 373 2299
Felicity Howden PR, tel: (031) 561-7252, 082 465 1990

JULY 2005
APD RISING TO TOUGH FINANCIAL CHALLENGES

Welfare organisations are under increasing pressure to maintain their services with decreasing and unpredictable sources of income. All competing for the same pot of money and the added pressure of the HIV/Aids pandemic, the challenge is to create and find sources of constant, reliable and predictable income.

This was highlighted at the recent AGM of the Association for the Physically Disabled Greater Johannesburg (APD) held at the Hope School in Westcliff, Johannesburg.

Delegates heard that the APD has over the past ten years succeeded in moving into a positive cash flow from an operating deficit, largely as a result of the efforts of their corporate communications department and the National Lottery Development Fund. However, the APD is aware that it needs to further increase its efforts to ensure financial sustainability, allowing it to continue to service the 7 000 disabled people who are dependent on it.

Director, David Fox told the AGM that two strategic sessions were held last year to determine a new Vision and Mission for the organisation and identify core strategies and action plans to realise the Vision. He reported back that strategies to improve financial sustainability had been formulated in a bid to secure eventual financial independence.

Treasurer, Gavin Julyan said that the three major sources of income available to the APD were subsidies from government, donations from corporates and the general public, and income from investment activity.

With government constantly questioning its subsidy allocations to ensure that public money is being effectively used, the APD must maintain close relationships with the departments that supply the subsidies to prove that it is effectively utilising the resources allocated. It must also ensure that it has holistic programmes to deal with the realities of HIV/Aids, continue with its efforts to create employment for people with disabilities and maintain its transformational efforts.

Regarding donations, Julyan said that welfare organisations often claim that they do not sell anything but the reality is that income from donations is determined by the success of sales efforts to donors. On investment income, he said that sustainable income from investments required a sizeable investment portfolio. Organisations were often forced to dip into capital from their investment portfolios to cover operating expenses, this depleting the ability of portfolios to perform.

While acknowledging that turning a welfare organisation into a “business” was not easy, Julyan stressed that this was what was required. The APD had to follow the basics of running and growing a business to supplement its income in order to ensure that the APD would not be forced to scale down its ability to service people with disabilities.

However, the APD appears to be on the right road to securing a viable future and has also made much progress in securing the APD brand.

Corporate Communications achieved a significant increase in income through its 23 income generating projects. It also participated in a large number of awareness campaigns and set the wheels in motion to address general human rights issues of people with physical disabilities through various projects, which could be developed nationally.

The AGM also saw Patrick Mabunda taking over as chairperson from Sandy Heyman.

AIM RECOGNISED FOR OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENTS
In recognition of its outstanding achievements in assisting people with disabilities, the Association for the Physically Disabled – Greater Johannesburg (APD) has named the AIM Centre, (Advancement to Independence through Motivation) its 2005 Achiever of the Year.

Director Dave Fox says that the APD usually awards the Achiever of the Year to an individual, but it was felt that the AIM Centre, which started out as a small project of the APD and is now an autonomous body, richly deserved this award.

He says a distinguishing feature of the AIM Centre is its ability to balance the often competing needs of generating revenue and, at the same time, training and developing its members and providing a level of care for the more profoundly disabled.

“In the 2004/2005 financial year, the AIM Centre extensively refurbished and extended its premises and earned more than R200 000 in income from work undertaken on contract. A remarkable achievement!”

At the same time 12 members attended computer literacy training, nine an adult literacy programme, 12 were enrolled in Project Management Learnership and two members were trained in basic first aid.

“AIM provides a powerful cocktail of opportunity mixed with care that enables people with disabilities to build self-esteem, develop self-worth and maximize their potential for independent living.”

Click here for more on this amazing organisation

MAY 2005
92 YEARS OLD AND STILL VERY ACTIVE

APD staff members paid tribute to a remarkable lady when they hosted a surprise 92nd birthday celebration for Executive Committee member of more than 55 years, Primrose du Plessis, at the Westcliff headoffice on 19 April.

Through the years Primrose has not only served on the Executive Committee (where all the members are volunteers), but also several projects at grassroots level.

“While I understand that the demands of modern living place a great deal of strain on women trying to balance careers and family life, my plea is for more volunteers.” And she speaks from experience. Primrose worked in addition to being a single mother, having been widowed when her son was very small. She was employed by the Johannesburg City Council until her retirement at the age of 74!

“We need volunteers on numerous fronts. One way women can become involved is to join our Golden Link Support Group which takes people with disabilities on outings once a month. Come on ladies: try it; it’s fun and very rewarding!“

To read more about Primrose click here

CARING FOR CHILDREN CAN MAKE YOU AN ATOS 1.1 OWNER
Stand a chance to not only to win a brand new Hyundai Atos 1.1, but also assist children with disabilities by supporting the Easter Stamp Campaign.

Says Project Co-ordinator Sophie Baloyi: “Launched during Easter, this national event co-ordinated by our National Council, runs until 2 September (Casual Day) with the winner being announced on 21 September.

“This year the stamps pay tribute to children with disabilities, a cause very close to our hearts. Last year the Paralympic Stamp Campaign made a significant contribution towards the funds we require to render our services and we are confident that this year will again be successful.”

The Easter Stamp Campaign is a remarkable fundraising success story. Originally the brainchild of a young Girl Guide of the Hope Training Home, it has been running for 60 years despite challenges posed by changing times.

For further information, please click here

MAKING A MARK AT MARKEX

For the first time ever, the APD exhibited at South Africa’s premier marketing and promotions exhibition, Markex, which took place at the Sandton Convention Centre between 7 and 9 June.

Sales Representative, Erhard Pieterse says the APD was thrilled to have been invited by Markex organisers – Exhibitions for Africa, to participate in this event. “We are very grateful to them for providing the APD with a stand at no cost,” says Pieterse.

“Markex is always well attended by the marketing, promotions and special events industry and not only gave us an opportunity to create a greater awareness of the APD, but also opened several exciting doors for us.”

ALL SYSTEMS GO FOR CASUAL DAY

The APD is once again throwing its weight behind Casual Day (September 2) and is urging all schools and businesses to support this worthy cause.

Casual Day is a fundraising project where people are encouraged to go to work dressed differently for the day. To participate, you must buy the official Casual Day sticker at a cost of R10.

The project aims to raise funds and increase awareness of disability, including blindness, deafness, epilepsy, and physical and intellectual disability.

The National Council for Persons with Physical Disabilities in SA is one of six main beneficiaries representing over 400 schools, workshops and facilities.

Says Jeanette Maclean, Communications Manager: “We encourage you to order your stickers through us as this is one of our most important fundraising campaigns to secure the money we need to help roughly 7 000 people per annum.”

Please contact the APD on 011-646-8331 or or click here to order on line or for further information.

CLEAR YOUR DIARY FOR THE ANNUAL GOLF DAY

Parkview Golf Course is once again the venue for the ever-popular APD Annual Golf Day, which is this year taking place on Friday, 7 October.

The first golf day of the association took place 20 years ago at which time, it is reported, Gary Player’s wife, Vivienne, was actively involved in organising the event.

While the main reason for the day is to generate much needed funds for the APD, the organisation always ensures that the players receive some wonderful prizes.

Sponsorship opportunities for this event are still available. Contact Janyce Currin on 011-234-3133 or .

Click here for entry form

CRACKING GOOD FUN

If you have not yet acquired your copy of Norman Nel’s side-cracking book, Jokes you can tell anywhere, you need to place your order with the APD as soon as possible.

“Everybody loves a good laugh and everybody is prepared to support a good cause. Buying a copy of this book is not only good for your own mental health; in sharing the jokes you also spread a lot of happiness around. But, most important of all, your contribution can make a huge difference to the lives of disabled children,“ he says.

Norman, a former pupil of the Hope School, has donated all his author’s royalties to the APD!

He has already written a number of best sellers. These include Think Tall - a training manual for the real estate practitioner, Would you please say a few words - a compendium of ideas for people who are called upon to speak in public and Never give up on your dreams - a short motivational booklet.

A successful businessman until retiring at the end of 2000 after heart surgery, Norman has served on a number of business and welfare organisation committees over the years, including being President of the Institute of Estate Agents of South Africa, Chairman of the Estate Agency Affairs Board and Chairman of the Northern Free State Cripple Care Association.

Now you can ensure that Norman has another best seller behind his name, but more than that, you can reach out and help disabled children. To top it all, you can have a stunning repertoire of truly South African jokes, both English and Afrikaans, either to liven up any public speaking you might be called upon to do, or to amuse your friends at parties.

To place your order, contact Jeanette on (011) 646-8331 or e-mail . At R100, it is a great buy and a wonderful gift.

For further information click here

SMS BALLOON CAMPAIGN AND FESTIVAL ON THE CARDS

The APD will this year once again be running the exciting Barrier Breakers (BB) SMS Goodwill Message Campaign which it launched last year. The plan this year is for the campaign to culminate in an exciting festival on 26 November with plenty of exciting things for the whole family to see and do.

This novel campaign involved the “release” of virtual balloons into cyber space. Cell phone holders were requested to select a code linked to a balloon of a specific colour (the six colours of the South African flag), which represented certain sentiments. They then sent an SMS to their selected recipient who was referred to the APD website to download his or her message and their “balloon” was stored.

Says Corporate Communications Manager Jeanette Maclean: “Despite some teething problems, the campaign was a big success in terms of raising awareness of the APD. This year, we plan to make it even bigger and better.”

The planned festival forms part of celebrations for International Day for the Disabled and will include some really exciting and novel games, live entertainment and beautiful handcrafted goods made by physically disabled people. Watch this space for further details.

CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS

The Association for the Physically Disabled – Greater Johannesburg (APD) is calling for volunteers to assist with street collections and requesting shops to “open their hearts and doors” to allow collections at their premises.

Says Project Co-ordinator Sophie Baloyi: “Not only are we short of volunteers, but we often find that shopping centre management is not agreeable to allow exhibitions/collections at or on their premises.

“In general, we find a much more positive approach from individual shop owners when we request permission to place our tins in their shops, and for that we are very grateful as this is an important source of income for the APD.

“As far as volunteers is concerned, the number of people willing to undertake street collections on behalf of our association has diminished over the years. Where possible, our own beneficiaries assist, but transport can be problematic for disabled people.”

If you would like to assist, please contact Sophie on 011-646-8331, email or click here for registration.

LUNCH WITH VICTOR VERMEULEN

Patron of our Barrier Breaker project and one of the top motivational speakers in South Africa, Victor Vermeulen, was the guest speaker at a lunch hosted by the Oos-Rand Sakevroue in aid of the APD on 18 May.

“We are very grateful to these wonderful ladies for supporting us in this way,” says Project Co-ordinator Erhard Pieterse. “I am sure that many of the guests were inspired by Vic, and thank him for his contribution in support of the APD.”

Victor, a young man who excelled in everything he did, was well on his way to being a Protea cricket player when tragedy struck in 1992. Not only was his father - his mentor and hero - murdered, but six months later he had a diving accident that left him a paraplegic.

How do you carry on after so much tragedy? Victor knows. Not only how to carry on, but how to lead an inspirational and successful life. Click here for a profile on this wonderful young man.