DASH, the Independence Charity Colour Run, has officially wrapped up yet another year of seamless marriage between family, independence, fun and ā in the end ā love and charity.
The group made its official charity donation to the Child Development and Guidance Center ā the charity of choice for the past five years ā earlier this week.
Director Dione Benn attributed the 2019 successes of DASH to sponsors, participants and the commitment of the DASH executive team.
āWe are happy to be here to be able to give back and we credit this solely to the generosity of our sponsors and the dedication of our participants who come out with us every year. We look forward to 2020 where it is going to be bigger and better,ā Benn said.
2019 saw the largest participant numbers in the DASH history, with thousands coming from community groups like the National Youth Council, schools from across the island, corporate groups, individuals and charity clubs all gathering together for life, love and independence.
Dr. Kim Gardner, Director of the Child Development and Guidance Centre expressed āsincere thanksā to all those who continue to support this outstanding event.
āThis is our fifth year of partnership and we are very grateful for our history and partnership,ā Gardner said, adding, āThe financial contributions have gone a long way in helping children with disabilities in many ways.ā
For 2019, Gardner noted that the funds received will be directed to the aid of children at the Dunnottar Multiple Disability Center, which is being relocated to another campus.
āIt will go towards adaptation of that facility. To make it more accessible for children with wheelchairs and additional needs. So, we are very happy that it will allow for many children to attend school and help them reach their fullest potential,ā Dr. Gardner said.
Among those in attendance at the simple presentation ceremony were Principal of the Dunnottar Centre Antonia Joseph.
She cited her first encounter with the DASH team in early February when the group, in partnership with Unicomer Courts and The Cell made an impressive donation of technology equipment to the school to aid in its efficiency of helping the children to reach their fullest potential.
Joseph revealed that the funding received would also allow for some children to attend school full time.
āI would like to thank you for your continued support and hope that in the future you will continue to partner with us and assist our most vulnerable students,ā the Principal said.
Others present at the ceremony were DASH Directors Robberta Rose and Abeera Larcher, as well as Director of Hashtag [Communications] Limited, Alex Holder.