Down Syndrome model and community activist, Shumeez Scott, turned 21 years old on Monday.
But instead of a fancy party, Shumeez asked her parents to feed 200 children in Elsies River on Sunday, ahead of her milestone birthday celebration.
Shumeez is the founder of the Shumeez Scott Foundation, which supports youth with Down Syndrome and other special needs.
Her mother Bahia Janodien says: “We planned to have a big party for Shumeez. She is our miracle child and we aim to give her the best we can, but she changed up the whole thing and said, ‘mummy, use the party money and buy food for the hungry children, feed them, leave the party’.”
Bahia says she was amazed by Shumeez’s request and quickly started arranging for food to be cooked and handed out in Elsies River.
Shumeez also wanted to be part of the feeding and encouraged the youngsters, wearing her Miss MWI Phenomenal SA 2018 crown and sash.
“She wanted to give back to the community, it’s what her heart wanted. She thought about those who don’t have food, it was her desire to take care of them and their needs, instead of her own party.”
Bahia says she is proud of her child’s milestone.
“Many people said Shumeez will never be part of society because of her Down Syndrome. She never let that get her down, she never let her disability stop her from becoming a model, an international pageant title holder, ambassador, a role model, but most importantly being who she wants to be and not what people perceived her to be.”
Shumeez interacted with the children and was entertained by the youth from Power Generation Foundation.
“I enjoyed the performances and the fun with the children, I love them and want to say thank you for the day,” said the birthday girl.
The kiddies enjoyed a meal and party packet and, in turn, entertained Shumeez and her friends of the Shumeez Scott Foundation.
Bahia says they’ll feed kids in their Mitchells Plain community this Saturday.