Victor turns his disability into an ability
STRUBEN'S VALLEY – Company employs man who wants to work because he won't feel worthless.
According to writer Charles Dickens, a bodily defect cannot be associated with one’s mental state. Victor Machado, a man confined to a wheel chair, is a good example as he wants to do more with his life.
Machado was born with a defect that left him unable to use his left arm and left leg for most of his life.
He explained, “I want to work, I want to earn money to be able to look after myself and my elderly mother.”
Managing director Alfred van Heerden at Boxman explains that it’s one of the reasons why the company decided to hire Machado to come and work for them. “Victor started to work for us as a security guard at the gate and he was very strict as a guard.”
Van Heeden added, “Machado used to drive up and down the road in his wheelchair and he was always involved and seen by the community. That is why we employed him and he has recently been moved to a new position on the corner of Fredenharry and Hendrik Potgieter Roads where he promotes new products to the public. We are paying him a small salary and we made him part of our profit share as he has to pay for someone to help him and he looks after his mother as well.”
Machado explained that the small salary helps and although his wheelchair works fine at the moment, he will still need to buy a new one in a couple of years’. “I still have my old wheelchair but it’s broken and I will need to get it fixed because without my wheelchair I can’t function and move around.”
Chavron Lewis from the company said, “He doesn’t talk about it much, but he doesn’t have any family, only his mother and he struggles to afford basic things like food. Even though we are helping where we can, we still urge the public to help him out with donations, food or old clothes. Anything will help to better his life. If anyone wants to help him out they can call me on 011 675 7150.”
Van Heerden concluded, “If you drive past Victor in Struben’s Valley, don’t be shy to stop and say hello as he is always friendly and eager to assist with anything.”
