WM Toys started as a simple request from a grandson to his grandfather. The fleet of wooden trucks are known as "The Blue Fleet". Oupa Willie is a woodwork hobbyist for many years.
During the March 2022 school recess, Lukas asked his grandfather for assistance to make him a toy truck. That resulted in the design and manufacturing of wood toy trucks by Oupa Willie using specialized software for the visiually impaired. Oupa Willie is visually impaired since 2002 with 1 % vision. Due to Oupa Willie’s visual impaired disability, he cannot operate any electrical wood working tools completly on his own without support. Therefore, under his close instructions and involvement, his wife and the Botha family assist him in the manufacturing, assembly, painting and marketing of the toy trucks.
The invite to the Letaba Lions “Dine in the Dark” event at Tzaneen (Limpopo Province) as guest speaker was used as an opportunity to showcase the handmade and hand painted toy trucks through an auction wherein they could meaningful contribute to the fundraising event.
This small request from a grandchild evolved into a small hobby business. It triggered and kick started the emotion and that even without vision, Oupa Willie can still use his talents to manufacture something of value that others can embrace and enjoy. His grandson in his request for this assistance, did not view his grandfather’s visual disability as a hindrance to make him something special. It actually boosted Oupa Willie to do his best to comply with the request. It gave him renewed purpose in his life and to continue to rise above his disability.