Flying for a cause

HUGE thanks for supporting the 22nd Cape Town International Kite Festival held in Muizenberg, Heideveld and Khayelitsha.

Cape Mental Health is over the moon with the awareness and all the wonderful photographs and stories in the newspapers.

An estimated 15 000 people attended. “We are extremely thankful to the communities of Cape Town who came out to fly with us over the past two days, to show their support and help break down the stigma associated with mental disability,” said Ingrid Daniels, director of Cape Mental Health.

“Our theme this year was ‘Born to Fly’ because, although we each have different abilities, we are all born with the potential to ‘fly’. “That is our role at Cape Mental Health – to provide opportunities to those with mental health needs.”

The Cape Town International Kite Festival, Africa’s biggest kite festival, attracts kiters from around the world.

This year, the South African contingent were joined by kiters from Canada, Germany, England, New Zealand and Singapore.

“What’s special and different about this event is that we’re flying for a cause,” said Peter Hulcoop from the UK, who attended for the second time this year.

It is South Africa’s biggest mental health awareness event, with 100 percent of the profit going to Cape Mental Health, to help provide vitally needed mental health services to children and adults in Cape Town and beyond.

Over 30 primary schools for learners with special educational needs took part in the Edukite competition on Saturday, October 29.

Fifteen local kite-makers entered the Heritage Kite Competition on Sunday, October 30, displaying kites they had made in the traditional “Swaeltjie” style with bamboo and paper.

For info go to www.capementalhealth.co.za