*Caption: Learners of the S.Dass School during their performance.

Written by: Lisanne Lazarus

Companies around Durban attended the Gold Cup horse racing event in support of the S.Dass School.

The S.Dass Group of companies, Pickey Dass organised the event in hopes of raising funds for the school. Companies around the city were approached and requested to buy tables that seated ten people for a full three course meal, with all proceedings going to the school.

The school which is located in Phoenix caters for over 200 children who are mentally and physically challenged.

“We presently just got one class of children with Autism which is new to our school and we are hoping that with the kind support of our sponsors we’ll be able to get the transport for these kids so that we can have a second class and help more kids,” said Ishwar Dowlathran, principal of the school.

Audiences were treated to song and dance items, performed by the learners.

Dass also addressed the guests which were present, following the children’s performance.

“Thank you all for coming and showing your support to these children. Please try and understand the other side to this, one of us may have children like this and it’s something that many would want to experience. Those hand actions, the words, following the teacher, is not easy, so we just wanted you to have an example of the commendable work that is being done at the school,” he said.

Raffles and lucky prize draws were also done as efforts to raise funds.

“This school is far beyond what is stated by general government, so there is a daily feeding scheme, the transporting of children to and fro on an everyday basis, there is home counselling and a variety of other things that the school provides that wouldn’t be possible without the support of the sponsors, so it is really appreciated,” added Gopika Dass, who is closely associated with the funding of the school.

One of the guests who were present at the event, Latoya Ann expressed her sentiments on the event.

“I am honoured to be a part of such an event and it is great to see so many people here in support of this great cause. These kids are special and deserve all the help and support they can get,” said Ann.

When the event came to an end, over R200,000 was raised.