NEO notes

By Zandra Vacarino - National Executive Officer

Kia Ora “Whiria te tangata – weaving the people together” Did you join in any events to mark National Volunteer Week which was celebrated between the 16th and 22nd June 2019? The theme for 2019, “Whiria te tangata – weaving the people together” resonated with me. I think one of the most valuable roles of volunteers in the Down syndrome community is to connect people and work together. Each person has a strand that they can contribute, and when we weave our strands together we create not only a beautiful kete but also a space to connect, draw strength from others, learn together as well as collectively empower for advocacy. I believe working together in our community is the only way to bring about change for people with Down syndrome. Thank you to all our amazing volunteers – past and present - who started, developed and continue to evolve the Down syndrome community in New Zealand. The contributions of our many volunteers are diverse, ranging from: • making the time to walk alongside others to support them • helping to weave enduring and meaningful relationships through hosting coffee mornings or play groups • advocating for key issues • raising awareness to create more inclusive communities • hosting social events to promote friendships and develop networks • cooking sausages, selling raffle tickets, to name just a few to raise funds to meet the needs of our community, and • volunteering for … the list is endless. Each contribution made is a thread that weaves the Down syndrome community closer together. I wonder if you can think of a volunteer in the Down syndrome community who you think should be recognised for their contributions. If you do, then you might want to nominate them for the 2020 National Volunteer Award. We will be calling for nominations in the October edition of CHAT 21.

NZDSA’s Annual Appeal - June to August 2019 A very important event in the NZDSA calendar is the annual fundraising telephone campaign. We are fortunate that Southern Stars, a Charitable Trust, runs the campaign on behalf of the NZDSA as the funding we receive supports so many valuable NZDSA projects. This year the campaign kicks off on the 26th June and runs through to the 6th August. If you receive a call from a Southern Stars team member, take a moment to thank them for supporting our community and if you do make a donation, thank you! The funding the NZDSA has received from generous donors over a number of years has enabled the NZDSA to host camps and workshops for people with Down syndrome. In addition, the past appeals have enabled the NZDSA to produce resources like the Plan for the Future, Turn the Page, Transition from School Resource, Creating a Positive Hospital Experience Resource, Play and Daily Routines and the more recent Dear Community and Dear Health Professionals digital stories. Auckland Timber Industry Club Hosts a Charity Golf Day for the NZDSA A huge thank you to all the members of the Auckland Timber Industry Club who hosted a charity Golf Day for the NZDSA. John Borkin represented the NZDSA and joined one of the teams as an NZDSA representative. Mohit and Vinnie, two self-advocates, helped to serve drinks and food throughout the day. In February, Edward Borkin, a member of STRIVE, attended the Auckland Timber Industry Club to do a short presentation and to accept the cheque for the NZDSA. The funding we received will support the core services of the NZDSA. Thank you so much to all who supported this event. Thank you Southern Stars for your on-going support.

Emma with her Dad and Jennifer.

Downlights Update Emma Sykes’ Downlights business has teamed up with Interworld Fundraising to create a branch of the business called Downlights Fundraising. This is exciting news for Emma, her mentor Jennifer Del Bel from Illumine and the Down syndrome community. This strategic alliance will assist Downlights to continue to grow and create more paid employment opportunities for the Down syndrome community. In addition, Interworld Fundraising and Downlights Fundraising have nominated the NZDSA as the recipient of funds from schools and community groups. To support Emma, Downlights and the NZDSA, you can order via the co-manufacturer’s website: www.illumina.co.nz. If you are part of a school or community group looking for a new fundraising initiative, please visit the Interworld Fundraising website: https://www.interworldfundraising.co.nz/downlightscandles-for-fundraising.html/ Finally, please have a look at the notices page to find out more about the NZDSA Ball, the AGM and the Rose Awards.