This year’s Wheelchair Wednesday campaign smashed the record for number of devices donated to people with disabilities.

The initiative, led by the Association for Persons with Physical Disabilities (APD) with the support of SPAR Eastern Cape, is held over a three-month period annually.

The 250 units gifted by generous corporate participants to beneficiaries easily surpassed the 200 per year average achieved over the past 13.

APD Nelson Mandela Bay executive director Cecilia Fourie was overwhelmed by the response.

“It’s the first time we’ve ever had so many wheelchairs [sponsored]. It’s absolutely beautiful,” she said.

“These wheelchairs mean independence for our beneficiaries. They can now go to the shop, church or clinic without assistance. They no longer need to be housebound.”

Recipients were presented with their new “wheels” at various handover ceremonies throughout Gqeberha with the main event taking place at the Port Elizabeth Golf Club recently.

One of these beneficiaries is Desiré Bosman, a woman whose leg was amputated three years ago due to diabetes.

She became aware of the APD after approaching the traffic department for a disability parking permit.

No longer able to drive, she was dependent on her husband Frans for transport to the supermarket, place of worship and wherever else she needed to be.

“At APD they interviewed me and I got the permit that same day,” she recalled. “It was important because normal parking spaces are too small for disabled people to get in and out of the car.”

Earlier this year she was informed that she had been nominated for a new device, which she received at the Wheelchair Wednesday activation at SUPERSPAR Newton Park.

As it happened, hers was one of two donated by store owner Alasia Gunzenhauzer and her husband.

However, her windfall meant so much more than just a frame, seat and wheels as her husband, who had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, was able to use her old one.

Bosman admitted that the first few months as an amputee had been difficult. Especially having to come to terms with the fact that she could no longer run her small event-hire business had left her in tears.

She has since made peace with her situation and goes out of her way to spread positivity among others in a similar situation.

Fourie said the way corporates had come on board this year was a sign that more able-bodied people were recognising the “huge need”.

“I think their willingness to donate also stems from the good they see throughout the campaign.”

At the various events, participants spend 67 minutes in a wheelchair to experience the daily challenges faced by the disabled community.

With one corporate representative strapped in and another guiding them, they quickly learn that taking an item off a shelf or getting into a stationary vehicle is anything but easy.

Organisers aim to involve more schools and tertiary institutions in the 2026 campaign.

“We want to sensitise and create awareness from a young age and also want our students to help market the campaign by taking part in all sorts of projects,” Fourie said.