The Guyana Sickle Cell Association (GSCA) and the Sonia Noel Foundation for the Creative Arts (SNFCA) have collaborated in an effort to raise charitable funds for the awareness and research of sickle cell in Guyana.
The GSCA has been in operation for over 15 years lending aid and support to the persons affected by sickle cell disease, seeking to provide services to the community, especially through education and public awareness campaigns.
Over the past six years, acclaimed Regional Fashion Designer Sonia Noel has done numerous fashion shows in Guyana, through an annual fashion event titled ‘Style Mission’, each year with a different focus on various ailments that have become a threat to the social well-being of our country and the world.
This was adopted under the umbrella of the SNFCA, when it was formed three years ago, the most recent mission being focused on breast cancer. She is also resident on the Board of Directors of the Hope Foundation in Bartica, Guyana, another charitable organisation.
“I am so happy to be a patron of the Guyana Sickle Cell Association and to be able to assist in the awareness drive. We all can do our part to make our society a better place,” Sonia Noel said.
The Chairperson of the SNFCA, Noel has been appointed official ‘patron’ of the Guyana Sickle Cell Association, and through that office has undertaken the use of the SNFCA as a channel to increase the public’s awareness on the causes and prevention of this disease.
“The international observance day for sickle cell is June 19, so we are undertaking an entire week of awareness and educational activities, such as appearances on various TV/radio shows, a logo/slogan competition, and a walk through the city on the morning of June 21,” the designer said adding that it will all culminate at the Style Mission Fashion Show slated to take place later that afternoon, at the prestigious Pegasus Hotel in Georgetown, Guyana.
The executive and members of the Guyana Sickle Cell Association (GSCA) are extremely grateful and pleased with the support given the association by Ms Noel, and applauded her hard work and commitment in making the event successful.
“This fundraising activity will not only provide much needed funds but also serve as an ‘awareness’ event for those who do not know about sickle cell disorder and the existence of the Guyana Sickle Cell Association,” Grace Bond, Vice President of the GSCA said.
The show will feature the exquisite designs of Sonia Noel, Nelsion Nurse, Andy Cummings, Amanda Burgess, and Deborah Mattias. This event is also slated to be replicated at the Marriott in Suriname under the host and collaboration of the Rotarac Club of Suriname.
The SNFCA’s main purpose is the development of the creative arts industry in the Caribbean, through creating access for talented individuals to illustrate and demonstrate their skills and be able to contribute to the economy and general growth of their neighbourhoods and by extension, their country, and the wider Caribbean region.
“Against this backdrop, we find it incumbent to empower our young creative talent through positive engagement and activities, such as Charity functions. We believe that if we can harness that energy into a section of our society that needs immediate attention, then we are working towards our goal,” the SNFCA said.