Go green for cerebral palsy

THE KwaZulu-Natal Cerebral Palsy (KZNCP) is calling on schools and businesses to help them spread the word during Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month in March.

Though the awareness runs through the entire month of March, the day is celebrated on March 25. Cerebral palsy (CP) is a neurological condition that affects muscles, movements and mobility.

Also read: Living positively with cerebral palsy

Speaking on the awareness month, Linda Naik of the KZNCP said March is a time to bring awareness to cerebral palsy and also a time to support and celebrate those living with CP. One of the main goals is to help people learn more about the condition and the people who live with it.

“Cerebral palsy is a common but still often misunderstood condition. Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month is so important for spreading the word about the people who live with it. It also gives a chance for the community to get involved to help make a difference,” she said.
KZNCP is based in Pinetown and was founded in 1969, to provide support services and care to the cerebral palsied community. The purpose of the association is to cater for the needs of those living with cerebral palsy and to create awareness in communities and society about the disability and the people who live with it.

Also read: Store group donates to cerebral palsy community

“Our Children with a Challenge Centre (CWAC) fills the need for specialised daycare facilities for younger children with severe cerebral palsy. Mainstream children’s daycare centres are often reluctant to accept these children as they do not have the necessary facilities and staff to cope. We are unique in that we have no age restrictions. The children are intellectually challenged and entirely dependent on their care worker for all their needs. They are assessed and, if need be, placed in special schools. The centre also offers relief for families as well as a happy, safe and loving environment. Our role in the community is to assist in early detection and to provide a specialised service.

Naik said because they are an NPO and receive no government funding, they rely solely on donations and member support to run their services and to ensure the sustainability of the association.

Also read: 53 years of serving the cerebral palsy community

To honour Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month, the community is invited to wear green with the aim to ‘Go Green for CP’. You can also donate to the association that advocates for children and adults with CP.

“We are inviting schools and companies to wear green and donate an amount of R10 and more. If you would like to do a fundraiser for our association, please email us. You can also donate to our association that advocates for children and adults with CP,” said the organisation.

For more information about the Go Green for CP, Linda Naik can be contacted on 062 638 8247.

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