MORE than 1,400 people gathered at Jalan Dato’ Onn in Johor Baru for a charity run in support of early intervention programmes for children with Down syndrome.
Kiwanis Down Syndrome Foundation Johor Baru Centre (KDSF-JB) chairman John Tok Siow Kee said the event, dubbed “Run to Give”, was organised in collaboration with Johor Baru City Council (MBJB) to help the centre with its monthly operating costs.
“Currently, KDSF-JB has 51 registered students, with monthly operating expenses of about RM25,000.
“As a non-governmental organisation, we only collect a minimal commitment fee from parents, which covers barely 30% of the fixed costs.
“This charity run is part of our effort to ensure sufficient funding is secured to sustain the centre’s operations, allowing us to continue providing early intervention programmes for children with Down syndrome,” he said.
Apart from raising funds, the charity run was held with the aim of fostering social connections, raising public awareness and promoting acceptance of individuals with Down syndrome, Tok said.
“This is our second charity run and we are glad to see the number swell to more than double last year’s 600 or so participants.”
He said KDSF-JB was established in 1991 by Kiwanis Club of Johor Baru, the second of four centres in Malaysia, to provide educational and developmental support for children with Down syndrome.
“The centre runs an early intervention programme for infants, toddlers and preschoolers with Down syndrome, while also providing support and guidance to their families.
“Our programme is designed to stimulate five key developmental areas, namely gross motor, fine motor, language, cognitive and self-help skills, allowing children to progress towards leading lives similar to their peers,” he said, adding that KDSF-JB currently had five teachers.
Johor Baru mayor Datuk Mohd Haffiz Ahmad said the event was held in conjunction with the JB Car-Free Morning programme.
“We organise the JB Car-Free Morning every month, and we are seeing more people embracing a healthy lifestyle.
“When we provide safe and comfortable facilities, it gives people the opportunity to take part in recreational activities such as running, jogging and brisk walking.
“We hope this will encourage a healthier Bangsa Johor,” Mohd Haffiz said, adding that such programmes also helped enliven Johor Baru and provide spaces for the community to come together.
