The campaign spotlights intellectual disability

CAPTION: Sun International CEO Anthony Leeming spent the day in a wheelchair to raise awareness for those with disabilities

[JOHANNEBSURG: March 30, 2023] Sun International CEO Anthony Leeming took a seat for the day - not at the boardroom table, but in a wheelchair, to create awareness for those with intellectual disabilities.

The hospitality and gaming company has donated R55 000 towards the annual Little Eden Society CEO Wheelchair Campaign, which sees chief executives across the country spend a day in a wheelchair to raise awareness about challenges experienced by people with limited mobility.

All money raised will go towards caring for 300 children and adults with profound intellectual disabilities at Little Eden. It costs the NGO R13 460 to care for one resident per month, and many are from families who cannot contribute towards their costs.

“For many people, wheelchairs are the only way to move around and from which to view the world,” said Leeming. “I spent the day in a wheelchair and got to understand some of the challenges our disabled colleagues face daily.” Leeming was given tasks to do – such as visiting the mail room, going to the call centre floor to book a holiday, making himself a cup of coffee and visiting the offices of SunBet, Sun International's online gaming business.

CAPTION (above and below): Sun International CEO wheeling around Central Office and performing day to day actions

The initiative forms part of Sun International’s desire to recruit more people with disabilities and increase the company’s focus on creating a conducive environment for all employees.

Disability forms part of Sun International’s strategy on diversity, inclusivity, equity and belonging. “We presently employ 92 employees with disabilities and have provided 43 learnerships for unemployed people with disabilities. We also run education campaigns across the business sensitising employees about disabilities to ensure an enabling working environment.”

Last year, Sun International upskilled and invested over R3 million on 54 learners with disabilities, some of whom are in wheelchairs.

“We love supporting organisations that are making a difference in the communities in which we operate. By participating in this campaign as part of our social investment, Sun International has been part of the movement to shine a light on mobility challenges faced by individuals with physical and intellectual disabilities.”

Sun International employees were also asked to join efforts to make a difference to Little Eden by donating nappies, socks, tinned food or peanut butter.

CAPTION: Leeming engaging with the group’s Receptionist for Central Office, Kgomotso Kegomoditswe Ramongane