The Tribune

EDVENNA Major was sitting in her manual wheelchair at her vendor’s table in Pompey Square, as she does most Saturdays, oblivious to the fact that her life was about to get a little bit easier.

The four principles of the Chickcharney Chirren group crossed Pompey Square, quietly pushing Edvenna’s new powered wheelchair.

When they reached her table she was immediately overcome with emotion, cupping her face in her hands crying. Other vendors in the square broke out into loud applause as she and the CEO of Chickcharney Chirren, Chester Robards, shared an embrace.

The Chickcharney Chirren was fulfilling its promise to the Bahamas National Council for Disability (BNCD) following two successful Chickcharney Challenges by providing a powered wheelchair for one of its members.

“Thank you for choosing me,” Edvenna said.

President of BNCD Sheila Culmer came to Pompey Square to be a part of the wheelchair handover.

“Thank you all for what you do,” she told the Chickcharney members.

As a crowd began to gather around Edvenna she manoeuvred herself expertly from her old chair into the new powered chair and took it for a test drive. After one lap around the square she joked,“I almost ran into that trash can. This is going to take some getting used to.”

Edvenna, who was born with Spina bifida (Latin: “split spine”), is an entrepreneur. She handcrafts trinkets and jewellery to sell to tourists and locals, consistently wearing a smile for her customers.

“Edvenna is inspiring,” said Mr Robards. “She is a model to be followed, especially for able-bodied Bahamians who do not make use of their talents and their mind.

“We hope this chair will give Edvenna a lot more freedom, independence and encouragement to continue pursuing her dreams and business.”

The Chickcharney Chirren held two one-of-a-kind obstacle runs called the Chickcharney Challenge. The early morning runs took place within the lush Clifton Heritage Park and included obstacles like nine-foot high walls, climbing ropes, ice pits and barbed wire crawls, to name a few.

The second challenge was sponsored by Suntee, Wendy’s, Marco’s Pizza, Pappasurf, Jemi Health and Wellness, Clifton Heritage, FYP, Liquid Courage, The Tribune, Pupstar Entertainment, Simpleview Films. Doctors Hospital and Bahamas Medical Centre became unofficial partners by having the largest team of people in both challenges.

“We could not have done this without our sponsors, who were more like partners,” said Jason Taylor, president of the Chickcharney Chirren. “They were pivotal in helping us to make this great thing happen for such a special young lady.

“Even JetBlue chipped in by waiving the baggage fee when the wheelchair was being brought in, and we thank them especially. We were blessed with great support.”

The group said they look forward to even more support with future challenges.