The Down Syndrome Association of Toronto (DSAT)

BANNER

JOIN US FOR TORONTO'S
8TH ANNUAL BUDDY WALK

When:
Saturday, May 9th, 2020 from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Onsite Registration/Check-in 10:00 AM, Walk 11:00 AM

Where:
Woodbine/Ashbridge's Bay Park
1677 Lake Shore Boulevard East, Toronto, Ontario, Canada View Map

Join us for prizes, food and great fun!

Promote a proud Canada where ALL are welcome, where we embrace diversity and where we value everyone's genes equally!

HELP MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

Register today as a team or individual:

Buddy Walk registration is now open, click to register

You have an option to purchase a Buddy Walk T-Shirt while completing your individual/team registration

Buddy Walk Photos

A huge thank you to everyone who supported the 7th annual DSAT Buddy Walk, we managed to raise a total of $91K, (55K from families, 27.5K from Corporates 8.5K in kind.

The Buddy Walk photos are now available.

Click here to view photos.

We hope to see you all next year at our 8th annual Buddy Walk.

BUDDY WALK

Developed by the National Down Syndrome Association (NDSS) in 1995, the Buddy Walk® promotes awareness and inclusion for people with Down syndrome. It also aims to raise funds for education, research, advocacy and community based programs. The Buddy Walk® is the world’s most widely recognized public awareness program for the Down syndrome community. Toronto’s 5th Annual Buddy Walk® is a 3 km walk alongside Ashbridges Bay boardwalk, followed by a celebration with food, prizes and a fun social gathering.

 

YOUR DOLLARS AT WORK . . .

NEW & EXPECTANT PARENT PROGRAM

Provides resources, information and mentoring upon learning of the diagnosis.

PAL PROGRAMS
Events and activities focused on developing and nurturing a social network while learning and having fun with peers.

RESEARCH AND EDUCATION
Workshops, information sessions and guest speakers educate members of our community on a wide variety of topics.

SUPPORT GROUPS
Skill-based support groups for parents to help cope.

SOCIAL EVENTS
Events for parents, guardians and adult caregivers to support one another, share information, resources and advice.

BRINGING OUR COMMUNITY TOGETHER
Events to support and grow our community on an ongoing basis.

 

FOUR WAYS TO SHOW YOUR SUPPORT:

VOLUNTEER WITH US:

Volunteer with us 500

Duties Include:

  • Check-in with volunteer coordinator, when you arrive.
  • Assist walkers with directions and other questions.
  • Wear a volunteer hat or vest (provided) to be easily visible to walkers. 
  • Notify the volunteer coordinator, by cell phone, of any concerns.
  • Use common sense to provide a safe and fun experience for participants. 
  • Wear a smile, thank participants and have fun while volunteering! 
  • Previous experience volunteering at events is helpful but not necessary. 

EVERY DOLLAR COUNTS

DSAT receives no government funding and relies on private donations to provide programming for our community. Most of the money raised remains with DSAT and 7% of the funds support the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) and their efforts for advocacy for people with Down syndrome.

FUNDING IS CRUCIAL TO THE SUCCESS OF INDIVIDUALS WITH DOWN SYNDROME IN OUR COMMUNITY TO:

  • Lead active lives
  • Cultivate a circle of support
  • Build a stronger community

ONLINE DONATIONS:

Donations/Pledges can be made online through our website here:

Click here to make a Contribution

PEER-TO-PEER FUNDRAISING:

Create your own Buddy Walk fundraising goal, create your own contribution page or team page, and invite peers to give.

Click here to Create an Individual or Team Fundraising Page

FOR PLEDGE SHEETS OR FOR INFORMATION:

Pledge Forms: Pledge forms are now part of our online system. Simply create a fundraising page and you'll see the option to download an offline pledge form.

Phone: 416-966-0990

Email: web.team@dsat.ca

WALK DETAILS:

  • The walk is approx 3 km along the Boardwalk Trail - Woodbine Beach Park/Ashbridge's Bay Park to Kew Gardens Park
  • Registration is free and will be held in the Woodbine Picnic Area #2 (click here for more details)

buddywalk map

BEFORE THE WALK:

  • line up your sponsors and obtain complete address information
  • try to collect your pledge money beforehand
  • make any cheques payable to The Down Syndrome Association of Toronto
  • advise sponsors that tax receipts will be mailed for pledges of $20.00 or more

BUDDY WALK ITINERARY:

  • 10:00 am Registration/Donation Drop-off
  • 10:00 am Face Painting
  • 10:00 am Team photos (10 am to 1 pm)
  • 10:30 am Ten Minute Warm-Up with Bust a Move
  • 10:40 am Opening Remarks 
  • 10:45 am Guest Speakers
  • 11:00 am Countdown to begin the Walk 
  • 12:00 pm Walk ends (Food & Beverages, more Team Photos & dancing with Bust a Move)
  • 12:15 pm Congratulate walkers; Thank Vendors, Sponsors and Volunteers 
  • 12:20 pm Draw prizes 
  • 12:25 pm Remarks from DSAT
  • 12:28 pm Closing remarks
  • 12:30 pm Puppet Show 
  • 1:00 pm Buddy Walk ends

 

ON WALK DAY:

  • Please dress for the weather. The Buddy Walk will take place rain or shine
  • Total the “Total Pledged” column and bring the pledge sheet, along with your pledge money, with you to the Registration/Check-In desk at the Walk
  • Team captains can check in and submit pledges on behalf of their team.
  • T-Shirts will be available at the Buddy Walk on Saturday, May 11th. (Adult, Youth, and Toddlers Sizes)

PARKING:

STAY CONNECTED:

 

Buddy Walk Video

DSAT OPENS TSX

PROUD SPONSORS OF THE 2019 DSAT BUDDY WALK

Buddy WalkSponsors

DSAT

PO Box 40039
Liberty Village PO
Toronto ON M5V 0K7
416-966-0990

Non-Profit Charitable
Organization #
11888 7942 RR0001
Ontario Corp number 687013
Date of incorporating: 28 April 1987

Buddy Walk

Buddy-Walk-NDSS