The Rare Disease Society of South Africa family fun day
To raise awareness about children suffering from rare diseases in Newcastle, the children were given the opportunity to interact with other children in similar circumstances.
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Children with disabilities and rare diseases were treated to a fun day at the Grey Goose on Sunday, November 2.
An initiative by Dr Ebrahim Vahed and his wife Rashida who have experience in raising a child with a rare disease first hand, the event was held under the auspices of the Rare Disease Society of South Africa (RDSSA), one of its many aims is to support individuals and families affected with rare disorders.
To raise awareness about children suffering from rare diseases in Newcastle, the children were given the opportunity to interact with other children in similar circumstances. A host of activities were arranged to make it a fun-filled day from face painting to pony rides, hiking and cycling.
“We were very happy to support an initiative like this,” said Saleem and Ayesha Bhigjee, one of many sponsors of the event. “It is a great project for the community to get involved in.”
The day turned out to be a success and received wide attendance. The children and staff of Esperanza Special Needs School also attended.
“It was not only a day for the kids, but parents were just as excited to get together,” said Jennifer Pillay from Esperanza.
I would like to thank everyone who had a hand in making this day a success, especially Dr Brian Wilson and Shaun Botha for allowing us to use Grey Goose as the venue,” said Mrs Vahed.
Catering for the men, a round of golf was organised and hosted at the Vulintaba Country Estate golf course. The 36 golfers were given exclusive use of the course for the day and only had good words of their experience.
All the proceeds of the day will go to the RDSSA and is to be used locally to benefit children with rare diseases and disabilities within the Newcastle area.