Volunteers are needed for the Down Syndrome Association of Central Oklahoma’s  (DSACO) annual Buddy Walk. This is one of DSACO’s most important events of the year. Go to http://buddywalk.kintera.org/dsaco and click on "Volunteer Registration" to complete volunteer form. Any questions call 405-330-5025 or send an email by clicking here.

The Buddy Walk is a multi-city advocacy walk in which people with Down syndrome invite “buddies” to walk with them. Buddies can be anyone from friends and family to teachers, coworkers and politicians. DSACO’s Buddy Walk will include a one-mile walk in which anyone can participate without special training. In addition, there will be lots of activities for children of all ages including, clowns, face painters, balloon artists and special entertainment is scheduled.

The goal of the Buddy Walk is to celebrate National Down Syndrome Awareness month in October and promote acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome. The Buddy Walk has raised more than $5.5 million nationwide and $60,000 locally to support critical programs and services.

These funds enable DSACO to provide hospitals and pediatricians across central and western Oklahoma with information for new parents of babies with Down syndrome. DSACO also hosts bimonthly meetings where speakers provide information on a variety of topics covering all aspects of Down syndrome, such as speech therapy, physical and occupational therapy, special needs trust, cardiology, etc. Parent-to-Parent sharing meetings are scheduled throughout the year.

The Buddy Walk was started by the National Down Syndrome Society in New York City and has grown from 17 walks throughout the country in 1995 to more than 200 walks in recent years.  Over 1500 people from the Oklahoma City area and around the state walk to promote awareness for all people with Down syndrome.

There are many areas where volunteer assistance will be needed the day of the Buddy Walk, i.e. set-up, clean-up, etc.

We hope you will join in our celebration of these important efforts.

If you would be interested in volunteering to help with this worthwhile event, please contact us at 405-691-2071.