I know, with a lot of charities or fundraisers, you aren't really sure where that money is going, or how it will be used. When you see causes listed as: "Supports individuals with ___!" or "Helps fund much-needed research!" you kind of think, "Okay, that's great...but how??" Personally, if I'm going to fork over my hard-earned money, I want to be sure it's being used effectively!
That's what I love about the Buddy Walk fundraiser for the NNEDSC - I know that every dollar donated is going directly to an individual or a family in the state of New Hampshire. And when I say every dollar, I mean, every dollar - yes, even that simple 100 cents makes a difference.
Let me break it down. At the NNEDSC...
$1 - Pays for phone time with a brand new parent who just learned that her baby has Down syndrome. She immediately gets connected with another parent whose child also has Down syndrome, who will provide this new parent with support, resources, and friendship.
$5 - Puts a booklet of up-to-date, accurate, and helpful information in the hands of a parent in the hospital who just gave birth to a baby with Down syndrome.
$15 - Buys a highly-recommended, research-based book about Down syndrome for a new family who is trying to learn all that they can about their new baby and their new journey.
$35 - Sponsors a holiday party or seasonal event for the families of young children with Down syndrome.
$50 - Provides a welcome box to new families of babies with Down syndrome, complete with books about Down syndrome, a special milestone calendar, a DVD, a booklet highlighting Down syndrome supports in New Hampshire, and a special baby quilt made to welcome the new baby to the world. This box offers a lifeline to new parents, and welcomes them to the amazing Down syndrome community.
$100 - A donation of $100 goes a long way at the NNEDSC. It goes toward:
- Holding educational seminars for educators, therapists, and parents of children with Down syndrome.
- Helping parents of children with Down syndrome attend major conferences.
- Hosting an annual prom for teenagers and young adults with Down syndrome.
- Hosting an annual golf tournament for those with loved ones with Down syndrome.
- And of course hosting NH's annual Buddy Walk - an event meant to bring families and friends together to celebrate the lives and accomplishments of their loved ones with Down syndrome!
But this is just the beginning! In the past year, the NNEDSC has re-focused its efforts to better support new parents of children with Down syndrome, and individuals with Down syndrome themselves. In the upcoming years, more efforts will be made to provide hospitals and doctors offices with resources they need to provide patients with accurate, up-to-date information. Also, educational seminars will be expanding, in order to teach parents and educators strategies and activities for teaching reading and math to children with Down syndrome.
Are you convinced yet?? Scour your couches, and sweep the bottom of your washing machine for that loose change. Remember, even $1 connects a new parent with the resources they need as they embark on the journey of raising a child with Down syndrome.
Thank you!!!
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