The resumption of the Operation Jumpstart Wheelchair Program, which was temporary paused for cost and logistic reasons is creating a climate of anticipation among those applicants who have been waiting for their custom-made wheelchairs.
“We are happy to announce that Operation Jumpstart Wheelchair Program will soon be distributing wheelchairs across the province” says Ms Sayinile Zungu, Director of Operation Jumpstart Association. (OJA).
According to Ms June McIntyre, Wheelchair coordinator, OJA is in the final stages of verifying recipients who have already been measured and processed. OJA will commence the distribution as soon as the custom -made wheelchairs are delivered.
At present the waiting list consists of 280 names from 17 different organisations.
- EThekwini
- Ugu
- uMgungundlovu
- uThukela
- uMkanyakude
- King Cetswayo
“At present we are trying to contact all the organisations to find out if the patient still needs the wheelchair”, says Zungu. ” Checking up on everybody is not always easy when you are dealing with people who often live in isolated areas.
We have targeted three organisations to begin the Wheelchair Rollout.
- Mason Lincoln School in eThekwini
- Pietermartizburg Mental Health Society
- Thutukani School in Empangeni
Since the organisation began, it has provided more than 20 000 wheelchairs to needy people in the province. This achievement underscores our commitment to enhancing mobility and improving quality of life for those who require assistance.
The Operation Jumpstart Wheelchair Program works with a variety of organizations including NPOs, hospitals, schools, welfare organisations and FBOs.