A local mother is urging everyone to "Rock Your Socks" on Thursday.
March 21 is World Down Syndrome Day, and Down Syndrome Association of Lambton County Vice President Helen Van Sligtenhorst hopes to see lots of participation.
"I have a daughter who is 25 and she was born with Down Syndrome," said Van Sligtenhorst. "We try to do events in the community and tomorrow is the perfect day for that because it's 3/21. There are three chromosomes on the 21st chromosome, which is how a child is born with Down Syndrome."
Donations will be collected for St. Clair Child and Youth Services, which offers programs to support individuals with exceptionalities.
"We are encouraging people to get out their fun and funky socks! Bring on the wild and crazy and just have fun with this," she said.
Van Sligtenhorst said you can also share photos on social media using #WorldDownSyndromeDay.
"Whether it's TikTok, Facebook, Instagram... show your support for individuals with Down Syndrome," she said. "The reason why socks were chosen is because if you look at chromosomes under the microscope, they look like socks."
Van Sligtenhorst said it's about making everyone feel like they belong.
"What I see now out in public when we go out with Sydney... smiles, acknowledgement, high fives, fist bumps," said Van Sligtenhorst. "Sydney goes to the gym on Saturday mornings with a weight group, through the Special Olympics, and the other participants come and give those participants high fives and support that way because it's all about acknowledging, including, and making everyone feel like they belong."
More information about the local group can be found on its Facebook page.
