Relationships can make the impossible possible. We are learning that from our resource development work recently.

Because of the critical financial support we receive from you-our supporters- we have been able to continue to be the warm and reassuring voice on the phone responding to a newly pregnant woman who has just learned she is expecting a baby who, in all likelihood, will have Down syndrome. We want to be able to continue to support the teacher who in the midst of the chaos of elementary school takes the hand of a child to lead them into the circle of friendship and ultimately into life of interconnectedness and community. It is our relationships with citizens with Down syndrome, with our stakeholder and advisory groups, and ultimately with you, our membership that inspires us to continually challenge what we thought was “the best we can do”, the “most we can raise”, and the “farthest that we can reach”.

We need your support now more than ever-we are facing the very real possibility of being unable to continue with our current level of support to individuals, families, local groups, and affiliates.

These are economically uncertain times, but one thing we do know for certain is our ability to be together, to raise our voices in solidarity about the value of the contributions of citizens with Down syndrome.

Help us ensure we are here for individuals and families in the coming months and years.

The thing is, a kind voice, a warm gesture, an authentic overture, these are the best things about even the most satisfying of work. It’s the relationships we have to each other that illuminate the darkest parts of our world. In our schools, in our workplaces, and, in our communities this single, simple truth remains.

Please explore the various areas of support that are outlined in the case statements below.

We exist for each other, and at CDSS we need you more than ever!

New Parent Packages

This year alone, 455 Canadian families will welcome a new baby with Down syndrome. The New Parent Package is our most vital resource for local groups and hospitals, and ultimately for all new and prospective parents of children with Down syndrome, across Canada. Help us continue to provide our New Parent Packages, free of charge, to every family across Canada, who has a newborn with Down syndrome.

VATTA & Advocacy

The Voices at the Table Advocacy Committee (VATTA) is composed of 10 adults with Down syndrome who believe that through their diversity and advocacy efforts, equitable opportunities will be available for all Canadians. This exciting project has created a valuable Canadian resource that brings a unique personal perspective to guide the work of the Canadian Down Syndrome Society. Objectives of the committee have included the creation of Voices, Canada’s only magazine written by and for people with Down syndrome. Since it’s inception in 2005, the committee has also spoken at both national and international conferences. The VATTA committee continues to share their voice and advocate on behalf of Canadians with Down syndrome.

Vital Technology

Membership Database Software is crucial to the day to day operations of the CDSS, and our current technology has become inoperable. To continue to provide important resources to our members and donors, the CDSS is looking to secure the funds to acquire the vital technology that is at the heart of everything we do. A new database will allow us to provide more support and resources to self-advocates, families and professionals in a way which is sustainable, enduring and cost effective.
For many non-profit organizations technology is our most cost prohibitive and yet most critical tool in our work. In order for CDSS to create more seamless and timely membership and donor stewardship we are seeking your generous support.

General Donations

As always the Canadian Down Syndrome Society relies on both personal and corporate donations to offer all of its services including our 21 Monthly e-mail newsletter, our quarterly 21 Magazine, our online forum, and ever expanding resource library. Your donations help this organization to continue to be the Canadian voice for people with Down syndrome and their families. If you are a personal or corporate sponsor wishing to donate to a specific project, please do not hesistate to contact us today to discuss the endless possibilites.