DSAA fundraiser on tomorrow
THE Down Syndrome Association Amathole (DSAA) will host a steak evening tomorrow at the Hamilton Sports Club, where they will be raising funds for the non-profit organisation.
The association was established in 1996 and is made up of parents and individuals who are interested in making a difference in the lives of people with the disability.
Branch director Denise Taylor said they do various fundraising events during the course of the year, such as an Arts Theatre Valentine Show evening, street collections, selling boerewors rolls and an Awareness Tea on October 20, which is National Down Syndrome Awareness Day.
“With the help of some sponsors who assisted us by donating vouchers, products, the use of their equipment, cooking skills and time – all of which will help us tremendously to keep our outlay costs down – we hope to raise more funds on the night.”
Taylor said the proceeds they make at the fundraising events help to cover their expenses which include transport of the children and parents, pamphlets for the outreach programme, and organising workshops for parents and children.
“We need about R17000 a month to be able to continue operating.”
“We mainly operate outside the office by distributing information to new parents on the birth of their child and supporting the family by way of counselling, as well as distributing information on Down Syndrome to clinics and hospitals.”
“We also provide an outreach and support programme at Frere Hospital on a Wednesday and Cecilia Makhiwane Hospital on a Tuesday, as well as clinic and home visits when required.”
Taylor said they have an exercise or dance class once a month at Hamilton Sports Club where various dance studios come and dance with the children and young adults while the parents meet.