Supporting Down syndrome NSW

*You've got mail* 

It was 3pm on a Wednesday in late August 2023 when I received an email in my inbox with the subject line 'Lots of Socks'. It was the first of hundreds of emails that would be exchanged between We are Posi and Down syndrome NSW.

In the coming weeks I met with three passionate, kind and caring humans in Emily, Jessica and Sabrina from Down syndrome NSW and thus the Down syndrome NSW x We are Posi 'Lots of Socks' campaign was born.

I had never heard of the 'Lots of Socks' campaign but quickly learnt that it was celebrated on the 21st March each year.

What's significant about the 21st March I hear you ask.. The 21st March represents the triplication of the 21st chromosome which causes Down syndrome.

In late October 2023, We are Posi decided it wanted to be known as more than just a sock business. We wanted to create, spread and share positivity through various channels outside of our positive affirmations on our socks. The partnership with DSNSW would be the first of its kind for us and an opportunity to make a real impact in the lives of people living with Down syndrome.

Fast forward to the 6th March 2024 and I received another email in my inbox, this time with the subject line 'Hey, we need to talk...'  and instantly I felt like I was in trouble. It was an email from Down syndrome NSW CEO Emily Caska and as I read through the email with a heavy heart and a sense of guilt I discovered some really uncomfortable facts about those living with disabilities and it was then that I realised how much work we still have to do.

Did you know that the termination rate of babies with a diagnosis of Down syndrome is estimated to be 90% in Australia?

Did you know that 46% of women with cognitive disability have experienced sexual violence, compared to 16% of women without disability?

How is this possible in modern society. I take one look at Henry (pictured below) and think this is a human that deserves all the rights and guaranteed safeties that anyone who lives without a disability recieves. 

“Back and forth, back and forth. I watch Henry’s infectious cackle and smile move towards me and away as I push him a little bit higher. I cannot help but laugh with him. Soon his laughter makes the other parents around smile and laugh. It is his first time on a swing by himself at the park and he is loving life. I can’t imagine life without him. Recalling the events of his prenatal diagnosis is always difficult. Time and the sharing of stories paves way for healing and making sense of difficult periods in our lives”

Kieren – Henry's dad

We are Posi are so incredibly proud of the work that Down syndrome NSW are doing and we are honoured to have partnered with them on their 'Lots of Socks' campaign to raise much needed funds.

Here's to many more campaigns together team!