Local residents are being encouraged to wear "fun and funky" socks on March 21 for World Down Syndrome Day.
Down Syndrome Association of Lambton County Vice President Helen Van Sligtenhorst said the Rock Your Socks awareness campaign is fairly new and has gained a lot of traction across the globe.
"In Sarnia-Lambton, we are encouraging people to Rock Your Socks! People ask me, why socks? Well, if you look at genes under the microscope, you will see that they kind of look like socks and because it's World Down Syndrome Day on March 21st, there are three chromosomes on the 21st chromosome, and they look like little socks," said Van Sligtenhorst.
"We're hoping people will dress for work that day and put on their fun and funky socks and think about individuals with Down Syndrome and what they can do, not what they can't do."
As part of a fundraiser, the Down Syndrome Association of Lambton County is selling fun socks through St. Clair Child and Youth Centre, specifically with Jan Fairbairn-Burr.
Funds raised will go towards various programs that support individuals with exceptionalities and their families. Van Sligtenhorst said one program focuses on speech and communication skills.
Anyone sporting their fun socks on March 21, is encouraged to share photos on social media, using the hashtag World Down Syndrome Day.
"Let's spread the love and encourage people to be inclusive and to feel like everyone matters and everyone's important," said Van Sligtenhorst.
