MyPE

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Bringing joy to young lives

By

PE Down Syndrome Association
Air Products Eastern Cape Area Sales Manager, Pierre Fourie, and PE Down Syndrome Association Branch Administrator, Lindy Opperman, with young Nathan Barris, left, and Noa Buitendach. Air Products supported a fun fundraising day for families affected by the Down Syndrome disorder.

With nine facilities around the country, Air Products South Africa is cognisant of the significance of being a positive influence in the many communities in which it operates.

In the Eastern Cape, a sponsorship by Air Products of a fun event for Down Syndrome children translated into a much-needed financial boost. This assistance to the Port Elizabeth Down Syndrome Association (PEDSA) will help to support families whose lives are affected by the disorder.

Air Products South Africa has a long-term, strategic focus on children and education-based corporate social investment (CSI) initiatives, thereby ensuring a sustainable future for the communities in which it operates.

“Through their annual action cricket fund-raising and fun day, PEDSA more than doubled our donation. This enables them to continue an outreach programme which supports families through hospital, clinic and home visits in under-privileged communities, where parents and care-givers are assisted with information and support on educational issues, nutrition and early intervention,” says Air Products Eastern Cape area Sales Manager, Pierre Fourie.

PEDSA is a non-profit support and advocacy organisation focusing on people with Down Syndrome and other developmental challenges, under the umbrella body of Down Syndrome South Africa. Branch chairperson, Ilze van Deventer, says PEDSA hosts a weekly clinic at Dora Nginza Hospital, as well as providing support for new parents in all the city’s hospitals.

PEDSA also supports self-help groups, operates an outreach programme in disadvantaged areas, conducts regular support group meetings with expert speakers and hosts events to bring families together and raise funds at the same time.

“Fostering connections amongst families affected by Down Syndrome is very important as this enables them to build up a network of mutual support. The Air Products donation helped us not only to have a fun family outing, but also to raise funds to continue supporting families, especially those who are in need,” Van Deventer comments.

Down Syndrome is a chromosomal disorder affecting approximately 1 in 500 live births in South Africa, causing delayed physical and intellectual development.

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Alan Straton

Chief Cook, Bottle Washer and Broom Mechanic at MyPE
Passionate about Port Elizabeth and definitely NOT packing for Perth. Alan's ethos is epitomised in the words of Nelson Mandela; "I have fought against white domination and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the idea of a democratic and free society. If need be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die." See more articles by Alan.