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File photo from
last year’s Happy Walk for Down Syndrome, organized by the Down Syndrome
Association of the Philippines (DSAPI) and SM Cares.
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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 Chairman Elmer 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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