Buy a ribbon to support Down syndrome awareness

A Lentegeur-based organisation is raising awareness about Down syndrome (DS) by selling ribbons and distributing foods in different parts of the City.

Members of the Shumeez Scott Foundation (SSF) want everyone to know and better understand this genetic disorder, caused when abnormal cell division results in extra genetic material forming at 21st chromosome.

This past weekend at Bayside Mall, in Table View, they had an information table and sold ribbons in honour of International Down Syndrome Day, which will be marked on Sunday March 21.

Foundation managing director Bahia Janodien, from Lentegeur, said: “We really want to make people aware of this - purchase a ribbon and wear it to acknowledge that they are part of society.”

Earlier this month they were at Elite Power Trade, in Athlone, calling on people to support their first DS blue and yellow ribbon drive️ in South Africa.

The registered non-profit organisation focuses on the upliftment and empowerment of people with DS; and those with similar intellectual disabilities.

Ms Janodien said: “We motivate and help them to become self-sustaining and aim to provide opportunities for work empowerment.”

They have regular charity drives to raise awareness and give back to their communities.

Recently they partnered with Upcountry Feeding Hands, another NPO, to help cook and feed up to 600 people, from various communities, including Delft and Elsies River.

The ribbons the foundation is selling, cost R10 each.

For more information call managing director Bahia Janodien, from Lentegeur, on 021 023 1466 or email info@shumeezscottfoundation.org

For more information about DS call the Down Syndrome Association Western Cape, on 021 919 8533, email info@dsawc.co.za or visit www.downwc.co.za