Rotaract club of Mahé raises funds for kids with Down Syndrome |22 June 2017

Around 110 people came together with the Rotaract Club of Mahé in a fundraising event at the Eden Bleu Hotel last Saturday to mobilise funds for children with Down Syndrome.

The event started with an introduction of the Rotaract Club of Mahé itself since it is a newly formed club. This was followed by an address by the President of the club Dr Winnie Low-Wah inviting everyone to become a better citizen and appreciate the great things children with Down syndrome can do.

The night also aimed at creating more awareness and understanding of Down Syndrome.

Dr Low-Wah also seized the opportunity to thank everyone who had taken the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of the children and share what Rotaract Club of Mahé intends to do with the funds raised.

The event also included the testimony of Mona Marie, a parent who has a child with Down Syndrome and who is also the chairperson of the newly formed Down Syndrome Support Group.

The silent and loud auction were the highlight of the evening with over 20 paintings sold. Those paintings were produced by a group of 16 children with Down Syndrome aged 3 to 17 years from the School for the Exceptional Child and from a mainstream school during an art session organised at the School for the Exceptional Child on May 20, 2017. This activity enabled the children to showcase their potential and creativity.

The idea to do this project materialised as it was observed that much emphasis is placed on various forms of disability, with minimal focus on Down Syndrome, therefore the club saw the need to create more awareness so that people with Down Syndrome can be better understood and incorporated in society.

The funds collected will go towards putting a ‘jungle gym’ at the School for the Exceptional Child and purchasing books for the kids and their parents and teachers to facilitate learning and better assist children with Down Syndrome.

Rotaract club of Mahé, Partner club of Rotary club of Victoria is a newly formed charity group comprising young professionals from the age of 18 to 30. The club forms part of Rotary International Organisation offering a platform for the youths to contribute towards the welfare of those in need in the community and to also develop their leadership and professional skills, while at the same time having fun.

The Club wishes to express its deepest appreciation to all those who contributed in one way or another to raise the funds.

The accompanying photos show highlights of the fundraising event as well as some kids with Down Syndrome during their art session.

Contributed