Buddy Walk
Over the last thirteen years, the Buddy WalkTM has become the premier advocacy event for Down syndrome and has become a major platform for inclusion in communities across the country. We are proud to be a part of Buddy WalkTM every year. Here's some interesting facts:
- The Buddy WalkTM was established by the National Down Syndrome Society in 1995 to celebrate Down Syndrome Awareness Month in October.
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The Buddy WalkTM has three primary goals:
- To promote acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome;
- To raise funds locally and nationally for education, research and advocacy programs; and
- To enhance the position of the Down syndrome community, enabling us to positively influence local and national policy and practice.
- The Buddy WalkTM has grown from 17 walks in 1995 to more than 276 in 2008 and over 2 million people have participated.
- In 2008, the Buddy WalkTM raised more than $10.5 million to benefit local programs and services, as well as national education, research and advocacy initiatives.
- The Buddy WalkTM program is supported at the national level by the National Down Syndrome Society and anyone who wants to support acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome can participate.
