Locals urged to celebrate and support Casual Day on September 6

Casual Day is the National Council of and for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD)’s flagship awareness and fundraising project.

Held on September 6, Casual Day is widely celebrated nationally every year.

This year marks the 30th anniversary of Casual Day and a target of raising R30 million for persons with disabilities and organisations, schools and projects in the field of disability has been set.

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According to the World Health Organisation, 17% of all persons have a disability.

Based on this information there are approximately 10,500,000 persons with disabilities in South Africa presently.

Casual Day raises funds and creates awareness about the challenges and potential of persons with disabilities.

This year’s theme “I See You” celebrates three decades of Casual Day, reflecting on the NCPD’s shared journey toward greater inclusion, visibility, and empowerment of persons with disabilities.

The theme emphasises the importance of acknowledging and celebrating the unique contributions and identities of persons with disabilities.

It is a call to action for society to look beyond disabilities and see the person, abilities and potential.

This theme aligns with NCPD’s ongoing mission to facilitate equitable social and economic inclusion for persons with disabilities.

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Therina Wentzel, national director at NCPD said, “The 30th anniversary of Casual Day is an opportunity to reflect, appreciate and focus on shaping a society where inclusivity is not just a concept, but is a lived reality.

“The theme this year recognises the inherent worth, dignity, and uniqueness of all people,” said Wentzel.

Launched in 1994, Casual Day has grown into the largest and most successful fundraising and awareness campaign for persons with disabilities.

Since established it has raised and distributed over R455, 483m.

The proceeds of the donations are channelled to persons with disabilities at schools, homes, and workshops held by the participating beneficiary organisations.

ALSO READ: NCPD encourages the community to support Casual Day

Additionally, the campaign benefits numerous beneficiaries, including special schools, community-based organisations and non-profit organisations in the disability sector.

Besides raising funds the campaign raises awareness about persons with disabilities through which their rights are promoted.

These include access, equality, social inclusion and economic participation.

The NCDP invites everyone to participate in Casual Day 2024 by purchasing stickers, wearing Casual Day merchandise, and sharing their support on social media using the hashtag #ISeeYou.

Funds raised play a crucial role in supporting the essential work carried out by the NCPD and several of its national programmes.

Through funds raised by Casual Day, persons with disabilities receive assistive devices, housing, skills development, the building of classrooms, transport, food gardens, gender-based violence support services and Human Rights Advocacy services to name a few.

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How community members can get involved: buy a Casual Day Sticker, spread the word among friends and on social media and donate where possible.

Stickers can be bought at: Clicks, Pick n Pay, Jet, Alpha Pharm, JAM Clothing, The Hub, Eskort, loot.co.za, Toys R Us and Babies R Us, as well as select SPAR stores.

Alternatively casual day merchandise can be purchased from https://casualday.co.za/shop/