Thirty years ago, a small group of parents came together to support one another.
This small but strong group of parents has since grown into a large not-for-profit organization, and its members are part of the City of Greater Sudbury landscape.
The Down Syndrome Association of Sudbury has been able to help individuals and their family because of the dedication from its members, volunteers and the generous support of local organizations and individuals.
The Kinsmen Club of Sudbury plays a very important role for many Greater Sudbury charities and not-for-profit groups, and the Down Syndrome Association of Sudbury is no exception.
For close to 20 years, the association has had the privilege of being one of the many benefactors who receive a significant donation from the sales of the tickets for the Kinsmen Showcase Home.
With the help of this generous community partner, the DSAS is able to continuously fund activities and informational conferences and can offer advocacy and support for all of its members.
The Kinsmen’s generous donation allows the association to create opportunities for peer support, help finance physical and speech therapies and fund additional treatments for families.
Raising a child or supporting an adult with an exceptionality is not always an easy task, but with the support of an entire community, the challenges are shared by many.
People with Down syndrome continue to show strength and advancement in our community, and this is only possible with strong community partners and support such as the Kinsmen Club of Sudbury.
My seven-year-old, Danielle, has Down syndrome. The association provides hope.
As a parent with a child born with a disability, it can be confusing to navigate the system, to know where to get the proper help and to find a place where you can feel safe to share and feel supported.
We depend on this association to help not only our family, but also the community to focus and see our children’s strengths and abilities.
Our members not only live here; they attend school here, they are in sports and clubs, they work here and they are what makes our city a diverse and welcoming city.”
This year’s spectacular Showcase home, located at 20 Hazelton Drive in Sudbury, proved to be another great success thanks to all of the hard work from the volunteers, sponsors, and of course the Kinsmen themselves. The proceeds from the sale of tickets made it possible to present the Down Syndrome Association of Sudbury with a cheque in the amount of $15,000.
This generous donation will continue to ensure quality programming, support and financial assistance to all of the Association’s families and their members and for this, the DSAS is truly appreciative and are grateful for the continued support.
Jean Cotnoir
Sudbury