On 21st March every year, join us in celebrating the lives of people with Down syndrome, raising awareness and doing some fundraising for Downright Special!
There are lots of ways to get involved at this special time in our calendar with events throughout the week! One way is to join in with the ‘Lots of Socks’ campaign each year and wear your biggest brightest, boldest odd socks to work, school or anywhere, perhaps in exchange for a donation.
Why Lots of Socks? People with Down syndrome have an extra chromosome (they have 3 copies of chromosome 21 - hence 21/3, 21st March!) and to support World Down Syndrome Day, Down Syndrome International organise the worldwide "Lots of Socks" fundraising campaign.
This is a picture of chromosomes which some say look a little bit like pairs of socks. Sometimes people have an extra ‘sock’ or chromosome and a person with Down syndrome has an extra copy of chromosome 21 as you can see in the picture. That’s ok – it just means that some things a little more difficult for them. They are a little different and different is ok. People with Down syndrome learn, laugh, love, live and, just like the rest of us, sometimes also get cross, sad, dislike things, get uncomfortable being stared at and just want to join in with everyone else. Where children with Down syndrome and other disabilities are given opportunities to join in, all children benefit and environments of friendship, acceptance, respect for everyone and high expectations are created.
Next year Down Syndrome Awareness Week is 17th -23rd March 2025. We are currently planning our celebrations so keep an eye on this page and our social media for more information about how you can get involved!
