Fundraising is the life-line of the Association and enables ongoing financial sustainability.  The Association runs several major events each year which aim to raise funds, but which are almost always important opportunities for raising awareness as well.  The two usually go hand in hand. 

As well as major fundraising, some of our members engage in raising funds in a variety of other ways.  This can be a very enriching experience for members who can benefit from valuable networking and contribute in their own way to the ongoing work of the Association. 

Occasionally, members of the public fundraise on our behalf and send in a donation of the funds raised.  We are delighted to receive these sorts of donations.

Major Fundraising:

Currently, our main fundraising activities are the Butterfly Ball, Buddy Walk, Tea for 321 and the Down Syndrome WA Calendar. 

Butterfly Ball

The Down Syndrome WA Charity Ball has become a gala event on the Down Syndrome WA calendar each year.  Businesses and organisations are invited to become sponsors of the next Ball and help make it a success.  Volunteers are invited to offer their services to help out on the night.  The Ball Committee would welcome contact with anyone who has relevant expertise, skills, experience or helpful connections that would assist with the organising of the event.  The Committee would also welcome the donation of auction items, large or small, to be sold on the night.  Major auction items are auctioned in the traditional way.  Other auction items are displayed in the foyer and silent bids are made by guests throughout the night.  Click here to find out more about the Butterfly Ball  or  link to the Butterfly Ball website.

Buddy Walk

Buddy Walk was established in 1995 in the USA by the National Down Syndrome Society to celebrate Down Syndrome Awareness Month in October.  Buddy Walk has grown from 17 walks in 1995 to more than 260 in 2007 across the US and around the world.  More than 1.5m people have taken part since 1995. 

Buddy Walk commenced in Australia when the Down Syndrome Society in South Australia hosted a walk in 2000 and has grown over the years since then.  The Down Syndrome Association of New South Wales joined in in 2005 and Associations in Qld and WA in 2008.  Down Syndrome Victoria is planning a Buddy Walk for 2009.

Buddy Walk has three primary goals:  To promote acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome;  to raise funds for a range of programs to make a difference for people with Down syndrome and their families; to enhance the position of the Down syndrome community, enabling us to positively influence local and national policy and practice. 

Buddy Walk is held during National Down Syndrome Awareness Week in October and is a wonderful way of bringing people with Down syndrome of all ages, their families and the community together.  Anyone can take part.  Participants are encouraged to ask family and friends to sponsor their walk - either by the traditional method or by logging on to the Everyday Hero website and donating online.  Find out more about the Buddy Walk.

Tea for 321

This is a National event organised to mark International Down Syndrome Day on 21st March.  People all around Australia will be joining in to celebrate and raise funds by sharing a cup of tea with friends.  Anyone can host a morning or afternoon tea, invite family and friends and ask them to donate a gold coin for their local Down Syndrome Association.  Many centres around the country will hold BIG afternoon teas as well.  Find out more about the Tea for 321.

Down Syndrome WA Calendar

A quality calendar featuring professionally taken photographs of children with Down syndrome is produced each year.  The calendar is an important awareness item for the association and sales have been increasing.  The Calendar is also a major fundraiser.  A national calendar is planned for 2012.  Click here to go to our Merchandise page to view the flyer for our current calendar.