ISLANDERS are being urged to wear their brightest non-matching combination of socks tomorrow to mark World Down Syndrome Day.
Individuals and businesses around the world will don their loudest socks as part of the occasion, to raise awareness of the condition and improve the lives of those affected by it.
One of the organisations getting involved is local charity Les Amis, which supports around 100 adults in Jersey with learning disabilities such as Down Syndrome.
The theme of this year’s WDSD is “Improve Our Support Systems”, which the charity said supports its mission to develop a bespoke nursing home for adults with complex needs.
Once they reach their fundraising goal of £2.5 million, Les Amis’ approved plans will see the construction of a five-bedroom complex needs facility, which they have named “Project Trinity”. So far, fundraising efforts for the project have raised over £1.5 million, with £728,000 still needed.
Paul Routier, chair of Les Amis and a trustee of the charity, said he hopes the campaign will “start the conversation” about the home’s plans for the specialist facility and those it will serve.
He said: “We want to use World Down Syndrome Day to start the conversation about our plans, demonstrating that we as a community are coming together to improve support systems for people with learning disabilities.”
Mr Routier added that the charity was encouraging as many people to join them in raising awareness as possible, by posting pictures of their colourful socks on social media and tagging Les Amis’ Facebook page using the hashtag #LotsOfSocks.
Did you know?
The date of World Down Syndrome Day (21 March) was selected to highlight the uniqueness of the triplication of the 21st chromosome, which causes the condition
