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.
Every student grows through quality education and an inclusive environment, in their community, at school and at home. All students benefit from care and attention from their teachers and peers. Students with Down syndrome are no different. By creating an atmosphere of diversity, children are less likely to develop bias towards peers who seem different from them.
Lots of Socks helps to raise awareness and funds for people with Down syndrome in their community, in the name of World Down Syndrome Day.
When is World Down Syndrome Day?
World Down Syndrome Day is March 21st of every year.
It is a global awareness day that has been officially observed by the United Nations since 2012. March 21st was selected to signify the uniqueness of the triplication (trisomy) of the 21st chromosome which causes Down syndrome.
Why Lots of Socks?
Down syndrome is a genetic condition that occurs randomly in individuals and means someone has a third copy of their 21st chromosome. This is why World Down Syndrome Day takes place on the 21st of March each year. And when put under a microscope, chromosomes resemble socks which is why socks are our symbolic representation for Down syndrome!
The aim of the Lots of Socks campaign is to raise awareness of Down syndrome amongst students, staff and the community, while raising funds for DSQ through gold coin donations. The idea behind the ‘Lots of Socks’ initiative is that socks come in all shapes, sizes and designs, just like each of us.
Each ‘Lots of Socks’ packet includes an odd pair of socks, which are designed by people with Down syndrome that have won the annual national competition held by Down Syndrome Australia. 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.
Fundraising for Lots of Socks
Fundraising through the sale of socks is an easy and popular way to support the Down syndrome community. Proceeds for each sale are dedicated to DSQ to continue their valuable work in providing support and advocacy, whilst empowering people with intellectual disability.
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.
Alternatively, your school can get involved by hosting a Lots of Socks Day where students, teachers and staff are encouraged to wear their own odd socks and donate a gold coin donation to support the cause. All funds raised can then be donated through our Donation webpage.
Down Syndrome Queensland can attend your school or workplace to provide a presentation or interactive activity to speak to the importance of Lots of Socks and celebrating Down syndrome.
Get involved!
To get started, download our Lots of Socks Information Kit, which includes fundraising guides and tips, information for your stakeholders, students and classroom activities and how your fundraising makes a difference.
Visit the Down Syndrome Australia shop to purchase your socks and click below to download our Lots of Socks posters to put up around your school or workplace.
Contact our Fundraising team today if you have any questions – call on 07 3356 6655 or email engagement@downsyndromeqld.org.au
Posters and resources
Click below to download the Lots of Socks resources:
What our fundraisers say:
It is so important for us to be involved and community and supporting people living with Down syndrome.
Stephen
I raised money for my little sister by selling lollies at school.
Jacob
