Lots of Socks 2023
What is World Down Syndrome Day?
World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD), 21 March, is a global awareness day that has been officially observed by the United Nations since 2012.
The date for WDSD is the 21st day of the 3rd month. This date was selected to signify the uniqueness of the triplication (trisomy) of the 21st chromosome which causes Down syndrome.
Why get involved?
WDSD is a unique annual opportunity for the global Down syndrome community to connect.
We connect so that we can:
• Share ideas, experiences and knowledge,
• Empower each other to advocate for equal rights for people with Down syndrome, and
• Reach out to key stakeholders to bring about positive change.
Join in with us to celebrate World Down Syndrome Day and advocate for the rights, inclusion and wellbeing of people with Down syndrome on 21 March.
Lots of Socks 2023
The aim of the ‘Lots of Socks’ campaign is to raise awareness of Down syndrome among the community, as well as raise funds for your local State or Territory Down syndrome association. The idea behind the ‘Lots of Socks’ initiative is acceptance of all our differences, and what makes us unique as an individual.
Socks come in all shapes, sizes, and designs, just like each of us. This year’s design has been selected through a national competition held by Down Syndrome Australia.
About our socks
The sock designs have been selected through a national competition held by DSA, and the winners were judged by the national Down Syndrome Advisory Network (DSAN).
Winning artists Mark Polonsky (VIC) left sock and Josie McAndrew (NSW) right sock incorporated an Australiana theme, with Mark’s design inspired by his love for animals and Josie’s a tribute to Australian music legend Keith Urban.
Join us by wearing something people will ask you about so that you can tell them all about WDSD and get your day care, school, college, university, work, or other groups involved.
Purchasing your socks
Socks represent inclusion, acceptance, and diversity within our community and are a great way for you to show you support for Down syndrome.
Purchasing your socks is easy and can be done in seconds via your mobile device.
Options include purchasing individual pairs, priced at $12.50 per pair, or a display box of 9 pairs at $115.00, which can be on-sold as a fundraising activity. All prices exclude postage.
Fundraising for Lots of Socks
Fundraising through the sale of socks is an easy and popular way to support the Down syndrome community.
Simply purchase your box of socks through the Down Syndrome Australia shop for $115 per box, excluding postage.
Boxes include 9 pairs of socks (2 Kids, 3 Small Adults, 4 Large Adults), packed into a display box which can be placed in a central location for your fundraising campaign.
Socks can then be on-sold to members of your community to recover the purchase price of the socks.
Proceeds for each sale are dedicated to your local Down syndrome association to continue their valuable work in providing support, advocacy, and empowering people with Down syndrome now and into the future.
Download our Lots of Socks awareness package
Lots of Socks Day helps children respectfully understand the diversity in their world. The package aims to help children learn about, accept and celebrate each person’s uniqueness.
Download a copy of our Awareness Package for schools here.