Join annual Nappy Run on November 2 in support of people with disabilities
Persons with disabilities often have a high need for nappies, requiring them into their teen and adult years.
Community members are invited to help raise awareness for people with disabilities and their need for nappies at the upcoming Nappy Run.
This year, the Edenvale-based NPO, the National Council of and for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD), will celebrate the 13th anniversary of its annual Nappy Run.
The 5km fun run, set to happen at the Johannesburg Zoo on November 2, will start at 07:30, with registration open from 06:30.
ALSO READ: Jeppe Quandum Athletics raise R10k for NPO
It will cost adults R100 and children R60 to participate, which includes the zoo entrance.
The Nappy Run awareness campaign runs from October 1 to December 3.
The campaign runs during SA’s Children’s Rights Month in October and Disability Rights Awareness Month, observed each November, and ends on the International Day for Persons with Disabilities (December 3).
According to the NCPD’s senior manager of projects and programmes, Danie Marais, the campaign has helped about 2 000 children annually across SA for the past 12 years.
“While the primary focus is on delivering nappies, the NCPD also takes the time to evaluate children for wheelchairs.
“During these visits, we collect information on children with disabilities who should be in school but are excluded presently from the education system,” said Marais.
He said that with help from the Child Law Society, the NCPD is making progress in litigating against the Department of Basic Education to ensure children get the education they deserve.
“Our efforts aim to restore the dignity of children and their families, help parents get their children into schools and provide them with the chance for an education.
ALSO READ: NPOs get good news from Gauteng Government about funding
“We focus on improving hygiene and health, preventing pressure sores and infections.
“By giving parents and children the assurance that they are valued and worthy of support, we contribute to reaching our country’s development goals by supporting the most vulnerable members of society,” said Marais.
According to him, the NCPD’s work aligns with the goals of the White Paper on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, addressing the most basic need and right for inclusion.
Children and adults with disabilities often have a high need for nappies through childhood and beyond, requiring them into their teen and adult years.
“Without a nappy, children are often denied dignity, comfort, freedom of movement and their health is compromised,” explained Therina Wentzel, the national director at the NCPD.
The NCPD calls on community members to support its nappy collection drive by donating nappies larger than standard baby sizes or money that it will use to buy them.
For more information, visit www.ncpd.org.za/nappy-run/ or call 011 452 2774.
