Fundraiser Selling Mismatched Socks Generates $1300 for BGH Children’s Treatment Centre

Using Instagram, Sarah Patterson is an outspoken advocate for Down Syndrome parents and children, and she works hard to promote inclusion through education and conversation. She also uses her online platform to raise funds for organizations that support people who have special needs. This year, her Speak Up online store sold pairs of blue & yellow mismatched socks for folks to wear on World Down Syndrome Day. A portion of proceeds from every pair of socks sold was donated to the Children’s Treatment Centre at Quinte Health Belleville General Hospital.

Sarah’s son Vaughn, who has Down Syndrome, benefitted from many of the therapies provided at the Children’s Treatment Centre from birth through to school age, so the fundraiser seemed like the perfect fit for her. As a result of her efforts, Sarah was able to drop off a cheque for $1300 to the BGH Foundation office last week.

Every year on March 21, people all around the world come together to celebrate World Down Syndrome Day by wearing brightly colored, mismatched socks. The 21st of March was chosen for this awareness day, because people with Down syndrome have 3 copies of their 21st chromosome. Socks were chosen because these chromosomes are actually described as looking like mismatched socks.

The idea behind the annual ‘Odd Socks’ campaign is that bright or mismatched socks are instantly noticeable and spark questions, which then allows for conversations about Down Syndrome, acceptance, and inclusion to happen.

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Photo (left to right) Sarah Patterson and Deborah Milligan of the Children’s Treatment Centre.