See Me Beautiful - an annual workshop is offered in the Fall for parents and school teams supporting a child with Down syndrome. The goal of the workshop is to empower support teams welcoming children with Down syndrome into their classrooms by: 1) providing information regarding Down syndrome, with a focus on learning characteristics and academic programming; and 2) providing a setting where educators and parents can interact informally.


New Parent's Kit - the Labour of Love kit and a copy of the book,  Babies with Down Syndrome, a New Parent's Guide is available to all new parents of a child with Down Syndrome. New parents are also offered a complimentary one-year joint membership to the MDSS and CDSS.


Visiting Parents Program - is available to provide new parents (or family members, friends) with the opportunity to visit with a trained volunteer parent. We understand the many emotions that you may be experiencing. A visit may simply help you to realize you are not alone. Presentations have also been made at the three Winnipeg birthing hospitals, making staff aware of our program. A referral for a visit can be made to the MDSS by anyone, providing the parents have given their permission.
Please contact: susancearns@shaw.ca

Parent Networking Evenings - several information evenings are planned throughout the year, focusing on specific topics related to raising a child with Down syndrome. Please check with the MDSS for upcoming topics and dates.


Women's Golf Tournament Fundraiser - this is the main fundraiser for the society, held the third Thursday in June each year. The tournament is played Texas scramble style, with contests, food and beverages throughout the game. Lunch and dinner are included as well as many opportunities to win prizes. This tournament provides the majority of the funds needed to run the various programs of the society, as well as a wonderful opportunity to promote awareness of individuals with Down syndrome.

 

Resource Library - our lending library is located at 204 - 825 Sherbrook Street. We continue to search for and purchase current resources related to Down syndrome. We recently donated one copy of the video See Me Beautiful and It's Okay to be Different to the Winnipeg Public Library.

 
Newsletter-published at least three times each year and distributed to members.

Awareness campaign - November 1-7 is Down Syndrome Awareness Week across Canada. We place ads in the local papers and provide a booth for two days at a local mall, promoting awareness of Down syndrome to the general public. The campaign varies from year to year, but we consistently provide the booth and ads each year.

Family Fun Days - These are fun events meant to provide opportunities for families to get together. The best information about what we can expect in the near future from our children can often be obtained from other parents in similar situations, sharing each others' stories. It's comforting to know that you are not alone. Check with the MDSS for the next scheduled event.

Joint Membership with the Canadian Down Syndrome Society - a total membership cost of $30 will give you joint membership with the Manitoba Down Syndrome Society and the Canadian Down Syndrome Society (CDSS).

 The CDSS provides a quarterly newsletter, a toll-free number for inquiries, national public awareness and support.
 

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