“Nothing beats the feeling of making someone else happy. If you have an idea, go for it. Don’t let negativity hold you back. Believe in yourself, and you can accomplish anything.”
So said 21-year-old East London resident and university student Carrisa Dicks.
What was a disturbing sight — every day driving past a man with one leg, struggling on the side of the road — became a calling and a bright, hopeful project.
She has established her non-profit organisation, Wheels for Change.
It is living proof that from compassion, determination, and a desire to make a difference, comes change.
Balancing her bachelor’s degree in foundation phase studies at Unisa with a full-time child minder job, Dicks has always carried a deep sense of purpose. She has always wanted to help people and bring positive change.
“I’m highly motivated and I don’t let anything or anyone stop me from doing what I believe is right. Some might call it stubborn — I call it perseverance,” Dicks said.
One day, on her ordinary drive home through East London, Dicks took another look at a man she often noticed walking on crutches along the same route who had one leg.
At that moment, she was decided: “I tried to get him a wheelchair through some charities, but it was extremely difficult, so I decided to help him on my own.”
That man, known to her only as “Mr Albert”, was her first beneficiary.
“When I gave him the wheelchair, his whole family came out to thank me,” she said.
“He told me that he had been praying for a wheelchair and that God put me in his path for a reason. It was one of the most touching moments of my life.”
From that act of kindness, Wheels for Change was launched on October 9.
The organisation’s mission is simple but powerful — to provide quality wheelchairs to those who cannot afford them.
Dicks runs the initiative entirely on her own, funding most expenses from her own pocket. She accepts donations of wheelchairs — new or second-hand — and ensures each one is in good condition before passing it on to a recipient.
“Someone once donated a wheelchair without tyres, so I bought new ones myself before donating it,” Dicks said.
Wheels for Change is in its early stages, operating mainly in East London, but it’s young founder is optimistic.
“People can donate wheelchairs, (recyclable) bread clips, or bottle lids. These small things go a long way. I also hope that local businesses will sponsor services, such as printing flyers or helping with events.”
Dicks has already established several drop-off points across East London where people can leave their donations.
“It’s been heartwarming to see community members step up and support the cause.
Starting a charity from scratch has been tough.
“Many people say they’ll donate, but not everyone follows through. Being a non-profit means everything has come from my own savings so far, but I’m not giving up.”
Her next goal is to host her first fundraising event and reach out to potential sponsors who can help her expand Wheels for Change.
“I want to help many more people who need mobility aids. Seeing their joy makes every struggle worth it,” she said.
For Dicks, this is a calling.
Mr Albert said he had been praying for a wheelchair for a long time.
“God answered my prayers by sending Carissa to me.
“Jesus truly put her on my path. I’m so grateful for this gift, and now I can go to Gqobas (Nompumelelo) again and move around freely. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
Go! approached former Cambridge High matriculant, Dominique Souchon who was disabled in a rock climbing fall in 1992 in the Magaliesberg.
Souchon, a UPE (now NMU) graduate, UDF activist and detainee for more than five months in then-Port Elizabeth in the 1980s, worked in the presidency from 1999 to 2003 as project manager in the office on the status of disabled persons, and then served as deputy director in the disability rights directorate of the office of the premier of Gauteng from 2004 to 2022.
He now lives in Gonbubie.
He applauded Carrisa’s work, calling it a “fantastic initiative” but urged her to partner with disabled people’s organisations.
Technically, he said it was critical that wheechairs and their owners had to be measured to ensure the right fit.
An incorrectly sized or fitted chair could cause unintended harm. She could ask occupational therapists to help with the measuring.
Souchon said it was a failure of government policy when disabled people were unable to afford or did not receive wheelchairs, which were a fundamental human right. Call: 079-842-2008. — Additional reporting by Mike Loewe
