Find the right socks in time for WDSD 23

Many countries around the world celebrate World Down Syndrome Day on 21 March each year by wearing odd socks. The theory behind this is that the 21st chromosome looks a little bit like a sock, and so to celebrate those in our lives with three of them, we wear either mismatched or novelty socks.

Aotearoa is no exception, and here is a smorgasbord of sock options from home and around the world to purchase in time for the big day in 2023. If you’ve never done it before, perhaps this is the year to convince your school, daycare, preschool, workplace, flatmates, etc. to don a pair of odd socks for WDSD!

Down Syndrome International official 2023 socks

Starting with the big guns, Down Syndrome International have once again selected a design from entries from all over the globe to be their Lots of Socks campaign 2023. The winning image, featuring a multi-coloured and chequered heart, was created by Jessica Rotolo of Canada. The socks are on sale for only £4 (about $8 –though shipping will be a factor!) via this link: https://www.downs-syndrome.org. uk/product/lots-of-socks-2023/

John’s Crazy Socks https://johnscrazysocks.com/collections/ down-syndrome-socks

John and his Dad have been spreading happiness through their socks since 2016 when John (who has Down syndrome) left school. Based in the US, they have the most incredible range of novelty socks, from pop stars to football to classic literature and everything in between. And a Down Syndrome Awareness range too, naturally!

NZ Sock Co

If you’re looking for something a little closer to home, try the NZ Sock Co, based in Ashburton. The main ingredient is Aotearoa-grown merino, and a portion of their profits go towards supporting Cure Kids. While their designs are a bit more conservative than John’s or DSI’s, their materials are of such amazing quality, you’ll be happy to purchase a few pairs in order to mix it up on WDSD!

https://www.nzsock.co.nz/

Norsewood socks via Nisa

The capital of socks in New Zealand – if not the global capital - is Norsewood. This small town in the North Island and its Norwegian heritage are to thank for its current epithet of “the place where socks are from”- and it’s no lie. If you’d like to get a piece of Kiwi sock history and support the work of refugees through Nisa at the same time, check out Nisa’s sock range here, including options for babies: https:// nisa.co.nz/collections/socks