SM shows solidarity for Down syndrome community through this year’s Happy Walk

SM Cares, a long time-supporter of the Down Syndrome community, is celebrating 20 years of supporting communities. This 2024, SM malls celebrate Happy Walk in SMX Manila, SM City Cebu and SM City Bacolod。

　　SM Cares, in partnership with the Down Syndrome Association of the Philippines (DSAPI)， continues to show its support and commitment to raising awareness and empowering the Down syndrome community through the annual Happy Walk, held last March 24, Sunday。

This year’s Happy Walk got even bigger with over 5,000 overall attendees, with 480 persons registered with Down Syndrome, the highest across runs. The event was held at the SMX Convention Center Manila at the SM Mall of Asia Complex。

All for Down, several executives showed full support during the event. Among them were (third from left) Down Syndrome Association of the Philippines (DSAPI) President Luis Harder, along with Toy Kingdom Senior Assistant Vice President for Operations Ms. Karen Dechavez; Toy Kingdom Vice President for Operations Ms. Myra Dumangas; SM Supermalls' Assistant Vice President for Marketing Hanna Carinna Sy; SM Prime Holdings Chairman of the Executive Committee Hans Sy; Atty. Peter Pardo, Chief of Staff of Pasay City Mayor Emi Calixto-Rubiano; SM Prime Chief Finance Officer John Ong, and DSAPI's Elmer Lapena, Agnes Lapeņa and Nill Arroyo

SM City Cebu also participated in the Happy Walk with over 1,000 participants, bringing together their own local communities in solidarity for people with Down syndrome。

Over 500 attendees came to SM City Bacolod to further raise awareness for a great cause. Aside from the walk, Natataning Nilalangs had a fashion show and mascot meet and greet。

Also present in the event for SM City Bacolod is Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson。

This year’s Happy Walk had various fun activities and events for attendees to participate in, alongside walking with members of the Down syndrome community。

SM Employees and their families also showed support to our Natatanging Nilalangs during the Happy Walk 2024 – showing SM’s commitment in being a Mall for All 

　　Happy Walk, a gathering celebrating and recognizing persons with Down Syndrome, has found a home at SM malls since 2007. 

　　Each step of the journey shows SM’s commitment to encouraging compassion and acceptance for people with Down syndrome within society, as well as fostering an inclusive mall experience for everyone。