Women's charity marks Down Syndrome Awareness month with $12K donation

Wednesday evening at the Water Tower Inn, 100 Women Who Care Sault Ste. Marie raised $12,200 for the Sault Ste. Marie Down Syndrome Society to help the organization mark Down Syndrome Awareness Month.

“We have done quite a few calendars over the years. As you will see, our children have enjoyed growing up in the Sault," said Sheena Smith, president of the Down Syndrome Society, during the event. "Thank you for letting our kids find their place in our community together through including them in places from schools to sports activities – hockey and bowling, dance classes, art classes and skiing.”

“Our mission is to promote the growth and development of individuals with Down syndrome so that their lives may be enriched and that they may reach their full potential as members of society in Sault Ste. Marie.”

Launched by a group of parents in the 1990s, the SSM Down Syndrome Society receives no government funding and relies on community donations and fundraisers, including Domino’s Pizza Dough Raising events, Nevada Ticket sales at the Circle K at the corner of Third Line, and memorial contributions at local funeral homes.

In order to raise awareness, the organization also produces an annual calendar that features some of the children it supports. To order a copy of the 2024 calendar, which was unveiled during Wednesday's event, please email [email protected].

Since May 2016, 100 Women Who Care Sault Ste. Marie has donated more than $308,000 to local charities and organizations.