All Set for SM and Down Syndrome Association of the Philippines, Inc. (DSAPI) HAPPY WALK 2019
In
celebration of the National Down Syndrome Consciousness Month, the Down
Syndrome Association of the Philippines, Inc. (DSAPI), in partnership with SM
Cares, the Corporate Social Responsibility arm of SM Prime Holdings Inc., will
hold the annual Happy Walk for Down syndrome on February 24, 2019 at Halls 1
& 2 of the SMX Convention Center, Pasay City.
The theme
of this year’s event is “Living with Down, This Is My Story,”
and will feature performances from children with Down syndrome, talks from
honorary guests, and interactive booths.
“This is a time to tell our stories, the
stories of our children. As each person goes through life, there are countless
experiences that touch our lives. Some experiences can be so powerful that they
have long-lasting and life-changing impact on our lives,” DSAPI ChairmanElmer
Lapeña shares.
On its
17th year, Happy Walk continues to promote awareness and inclusivity for
Persons with Down syndrome, and is expected to gather thousands of families, friends
and advocates, as well as private and public sectors supporting the advocacy.
“SM has
been and will always be for inclusiveness. Everyone should be able to enjoy the
good things SM can offer, regardless of varying conditions. We are very
grateful for the partnership with the Down Syndrome Association of the
Philippines, who work endlessly to reach and help more people, and most
importantly, provide access and care to the ones who need it most,” said Bien
Mateo, SM SVP for Operations and Director for SM Cares Program on PWDs.
Registration
starts at 7:00 AM and program begins at 8:30 AM. The event will be immediately
followed by a parade around the SM Mall of Asia Complex. Simultaneously, SM
City Bacolod will also join the celebration and have their walk as well.
Happy Walk
for Down Syndrome has come a long way since it started in 2002, with only a
handful of participants. It is also one of the many strong advocacies of SM
Cares that champions the rights of persons with disabilities (PWDs).
“SM Cares enables us to expand all over the
Philippines, increasing the impact and benefits to more
and more families, helping persons with Down syndrome to live more normal
lives,” Lapeña added.
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/OfficialSMCaresor email smcares@smsupermalls.com.
To know
more about Happy Walk for Down syndrome, you may contact dsapi@hotmail.com.
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