Hope William-Smith
Are you doing anything for Down Syndrome Awareness Month? Register today to show your support.
October is all about celebrating people with Down syndrome and educating on the abilities and accomplishments they provide for the community. People with Down syndrome and their friends and families are able to spread awareness on the condition, advocate and speak up about the needs of the Down syndrome community.
The National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) aims to promote the value, acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome by promoting different ways for the public to get involved int he organisation. The National Buddy Walk Program is a perfect opportunity; founded in 1995, it has grown from 17 walks to more than 250, with 315,000 participants last year alone. The NDSS held its first international walks last year, with participant events in New Zealand, Japan, Canada, Trinidad and Tobago and The Bahamas!
Closer to home, Down Syndrome NSW will be promoting Awareness Month this October with their annual StepUP event – a community initiative aimed at bringing people together in their local areas and raising funds.
NOWRA – Sunday 18 October 2015 – ‘Moona Moona Creek’, Huskissons
WAGGA – Sunday 18 October 2015 – ‘Collins Park’, Corner Forsyth and Thorne Street, Wagga
SYDNEY – Sunday 25 October 2015 – ‘Parramatta Park’, Parramatta
PICTON – Sunday 01 November 2015 – ‘Picton Botanic Gardens
StepUP have a target fundraising goal of $60,000 this year, which they hope can be achieved by members of the public sharing in the fun and excitement of a StepUP event day.
Down Syndrome NSW downsyndromensw.org.au
The National Down Syndrome Society ndss.org