Manitoba Down Syndrome Society

About Us

Our Story

How It All Began

The Manitoba Down Syndrome Society (MDSS) was founded by a group of visionary parents united by a common goal: to ensure that individuals with Down syndrome - and the families and caregivers who support them - have access to resources and services tailored to their unique needs.

In the late 1980s and early 1990s, no dedicated supports existed for Down syndrome families in Manitoba. Our founders recognized this gap, and took it upon themselves to change that - while also working to raise public awareness of the remarkable abilities of individuals born with Down syndrome.

From Grassroots to Growing Movement

It started with community. Before the MDSS existed, a parent support group called Parent to Parent brought together families of children with various disabilities - many of whom had children with Down syndrome.

Around 1990-1991, a group of these parents took action. They organized a small fundraising conference held at a medical building at the Health Sciences Centre, bringing together Down syndrome families from across the province for the first time. The energy in that room sparked something lasting.

The conference raised $800 - seed funding that would go on to establish the Manitoba Down Syndrome Society in 1991. An organizing committee formed, began spreading the word, and developed the foundational Terms of Reference that would guide the Society's work.

That $800 and the determination of a few dedicated parents built something that has grown to serve thousands.

The founding members of the Manitoba Down Syndrome Society included:

Ed & Ann Zabrowski
Rose Flaig
Val Surbey
Janine Frovich
Lorraine & Bob Cauthers
Leona Johnson
Susan Cearns & Eric Joseph
Dave Boyko

Taking Shape

The dedication of those early parents and supporters led to a major milestone: the MDSS was officially incorporated in November 1991 and received charitable status in February 1992.

A Foundation Built by Volunteers

From those early days, dedicated volunteers launched a range of initiatives - many of which remain a vital part of what the MDSS does to this day. What began as a small group with a big vision has grown into an enduring community of support, advocacy, and connection.

Reaching New Families from Day One

One of the Society's first priorities was making sure no new parent felt alone. The MDSS created "Baby First" welcome packages - carefully assembled bundles of encouragement and information designed to reach families right from the start, at one of the most significant moments of their lives.

That commitment hasn't wavered. Today, the tradition lives on through the MDSS Labour of Love New Parent Packages, continuing to welcome and support families as they begin their journey.

MDSS Through the Years

1991
- - MDSS becomes an incorporated non-profit
1992
- - MDSS receives charitable status
1993
- - Information packages are distributed to new parents
1997
- - MDSS holds its first major fundraiser, the Tulip Tee-Off all women's golf tournament
1997
- - The first See Me Beautiful Conference launches
2000
- - MDSS holds its first Baby Love event for new parents
2002
- - The first Dinner & Dance is held in celebration of National Down Syndrome Awareness Week
2006
- - The first social club launches with a group of 12 youth, named "Lisa's Livewires" in honour of MDSS Member Lisa Mitchell
2008
- - MDSS holds its first walk fundraiser, the Buddy Walk, a brand of the CDSS. Renamed "Walk With Us" in 2015
2023
- - The MDSS hires its first Executive Director, Darren Anderson
2025
- - Active Youth Program launches with funding from Jumpstart & The Winnipeg Foundation