Odd socks may sound like a strange dress code for work, but businesses up and down the country are showing off their weirdest and most wonderful socks on Monday 21st March for World Down Syndrome Day.
The Odd Socks campaign is designed to get people and businesses talking about Down Syndrome in a light hearted way, as well as raise money to support children and families with the condition.
Down Syndrome is caused by three copies of chromosome 21 in a child's DNA, instead of two. In the majority of cases, this is not due to an inheritance of the condition or something that has taken place before or during pregnancy; most frequently it is just a 'one-off genetic mistake in the sperm or egg'.
ECCDS (Education Centre for Children with Down Syndrome) is an educational charity which supports children and families in the North East. It aims to provide help and essential skills to new parents and families with children who have Down Syndrome.
Maggie Hart, founder of the organisation, says that the Odd Socks campaign is vital to get people talking and raising money, 'This year we would like as many people as possible to participate in this celebration and invite you and your colleagues to wear the most random and outrageous socks in exchange for a small donation.'
'By doing this you are helping to raise awareness of Down Syndrome as well as raising vital funds that will enable us to continue to support our children and families.'
If you'd like to get involved or you'd like more information, please visit the ECCDS site, or the site for World Down Syndrome Day
