Across the country, South Africans are looking forward to the new season, traditionally welcomed on Spring Day, September 1.
September is also Heritage Month. South Africans have much to celebrate about their heritage with the great diversity of cultures, languages, peoples and abilities that make this country a special home for 55-million people.
From Cape Town to Thohoyandou and from Polokwane to Kimberley, tens of thousands of people across the country will also be enjoying Casual Day by celebrating diversity with persons with disabilities. Casual Day is the largest and most popular fundraiser of its kind, last year raising R28.6-million through the sale of Casual Day stickers and merchandise.
This year, the target is to reach a record R30-million through the event that makes a real difference to about 40 000 persons with disabilities every year, while indirectly benefitting close to three million people.
Events are planned across the country to mark the day and the excitement that has been building up over the past 12 months is close to reaching a crescendo.
The National Council of and for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD), which is South Africa’s leading advocate for persons with disabilities, is the 77-year-old non-governmental organisation that has hosted Casual Day for the past 23 years.
NCPD national director Therina Wentzel says: “Casual Day is an exciting and important day for us. It creates an opportunity for all South Africans to show their care and their interest in building an inclusive, diverse and caring country.
“Creating families, communities and societies that embrace difference and celebrate diversity are at the heart of the message we want people to take home after a day of Casual Day fun,” says Wentzel.
Everything from job placements, eyesight-saving eye tests, hearing aids, wheelchairs, ramps, braille machines and driving lessons are made possible for thousands of persons with disabilities with the funds raised every year on Casual Day.
Casual Day stickers are for sale at R10 each. They are available from Edgars, Edgars Active, Jet, Jet Mart, Boardmans, CNA, Game, DionWired, Shoprite and Checkers. Every cent that is raised goes to helping a person with a disability lead a full, productive and meaningful life.
