5 Things You Missed at the 17th Happy Walk for Down Syndrome by SM and DSAPI
It was a
beautiful Sunday morning and SMX Convention Center in Manila is the place to be
for friends and families of people with Down syndrome to celebrate their
triumphant life stories at the 17th Happy Walk for Down Syndrome. Held last
February 24, 2019, an estimated 6,000 attendees comprised of families, schools,
supporters, advocates, and SM employees joined the momentous event.
Happy
Walk was held in celebration of the National Syndrome Consciousness Month and
is an annual activity that promotes awareness, acceptance and inclusivity of
persons with Down Syndrome into society. Happy Walk was organized by the Down
Syndrome Association of the Philippines, Inc. (DSAPI), in partnership with SM
Cares.
During
the program proper, DSAPI Chairman Mr. Elmer F. Lapeña shared, “Having a child
with Down syndrome has been one of the most remarkable experiences for me, as
well as for countless parents and families. Some experiences can be so powerful
that they have long-lasting and life-changing impacts on our lives.”
While SVP
of SM Supermalls and Director for SM Cares Program on PWDs Bien Mateo said
that, “At SM, we recognize the ever-changing needs of the members of the
community where we are present, and the more we celebrate our relationship with
groups like DSAPI, the more that we understand what needs to be developed in
making a welcoming mall, including persons with disability.”
Here are
the 5 things you missed at The Happy Walk, which according to Mr. Lapeña is
certainly one of the biggest events that continues to make beautiful stories
for families to enjoy, having fun, to be with one another, to treasure:
The Happy Walk featured performances from
children affected with the condition who danced to lively music as well as
celebrity performances
Part of the hall was filled with fun
interactive booths where the children and their families enjoyed photo booths,
slides, interactive games and mini theatre.
A parade around the SM Mall of Asia complex
followed allowing the children with Down syndrome and together with their families
interact with the shoppers and tenants of the mall.
SM City Bacolod also joined the celebration
and had their Happy Walk as well, in simultaneous.
VIP people with the likes of Mr. Hans Sy,
Chairman of the Executive Committee of SM Prime Holdings, US Ambassador to the
Philippines H.E. Sung Kim and Ambassador designate for the Royal Thai Embassy,
H.E. Vasin Ruangprateepsaeng graced the event as well as those who have both
long supported the advocacies of SM and DSAPI.
The Down Syndrome
Association of the Philippines, Inc. (DSAPI) is a non-stock, non-profit
organization, founded in 1991 by a group of dedicated and committed parents and
concerned physicians. It aims to offer support to families who have a child
with Down syndrome and to initiate, develop, promote, encourage and support
programs and projects concerning Down syndrome
SM Cares
is the Corporate Social Responsibility arm of SM Prime Holdings, Inc. Its
advocacies include Programs on Persons with Disabilities, Children and Youth,
Women and Breastfeeding Mothers, Environment Sustainability, Senior Citizens,
and Overseas Filipino Workers (SM Global Pinoy).
As a
responsible integrated property developer, SM ensures that its CSR programs
serve as a catalyst for positive change in the communities that it supports. To
know more about SM Cares, you may visit www.smcares.com.ph,
www.facebook.com/OfficialSMCares or email smcares@smsupermalls.com.
0 comments