Thursday is World Down Syndrome Day.
Down Syndrome Association of Lambton County Vice President Helen Van Sligtenhorst said local businesses, offices and schools are encouraged to donate a toonie and dress up their feet on March 21.
"We are asking people to wear fun and funky socks," said Van Sligtenhorst. "This will emphasize the individuality and different characteristics each child or each person with Down syndrome brings to their world. Each child is born different and those differences need to be acknowledged and celebrated."
She said the money raised will stay in the community and will go towards providing free speech therapy for children and young adults with Down syndrome.
"We do need to raise $10,000 a year because these speech camps, we offer them free of charge to parents," said Van Sligtenhorst. "We had in one year, eight babies born with Down syndrome locally. These children are now getting the speech therapy that they need at a very young age, because we believe early intervention is so critical."
Van Sligtenhorst said donations can be dropped off at St. Clair Child and Youth.
Student's at St. Patrick's are participating by hosting a jean day and have been selling funky socks at the school.
World Down Syndrome Day is held on the 21st day of the third month because the genetic disorder is the result of a third copy of chromosome 21.
