|
October 2021 Edition
Kia ora koutou
Welcome to this edition of the WDSA newsletter. It's a little later than usual with November just around the corner (eek!). The countdown to You Know What is already in full swing in our household, I'm sure there are many other families in the same boat.
Take a look below for the usual information, resources, events and tidbits relevant to our community.
We are grateful to the IHC Art Awards for allowing us to share a beautiful piece of art by Lena Zhang Harrap. We know Lena's tragic death has rocked our community, please reach out if you need our support to help you through this. You may also find some comfort in these resources curated by the Auckland Down Syndrome Association.
As always please get in touch, committee@wdsa.co.nz, if you have suggestions for this newsletter or ideas that might enable us to better support you as a community.
Ngā mihi
Selena and the WDSA Committee
|
|
|
|
Our heartfelt condolences are with the Harrap family.
Many thanks to the IHC Art Awards for allowing us to share this beautiful piece Jungle tree, created by Lena for the recent 2021 event.
|
|
|
Kia Ora my name is Amanda and I'm Treasurer of the Wellington Down Syndrome Association Committee. I love being a part of the Committee. The joy it brings our family to come to events and hear about all the awesome things people in our community are doing makes me willing to help out as much as I can.
Greg and I were fortunate enough to have Eli join our family almost 6 years ago💕 He is adored by his 3 brothers. As you can imagine there is never a dull moment. Eli has an amazing zest for life! Keeping him safe is a juggle as he grows in his independence and confidence. I often have to negotiate safety risks with him as he wants to do everything he sees his older brothers doing!!!
We have an amazing village around us from our Playcentre days to a supportive school, and friends and family networks. Eli charms everyone - he knows that he can blast The Wiggles at his Auntie and Uncle's house and get away with it 😬
Please consider helping out with our committee in anyway you can. We would love to hear your ideas and represent what you would like for your tamariki x
|
|
|
History of the New Zealand Down Syndrome Community
Check out the bumper 40th anniversary edition of CHAT 21, the NZDSA's quarterly journal, which looks back at the 40-year history of the NZSDA and features hundreds of historical photos and the accounts of many of our community's trailblazers.
This is the last issue of CHAT 21 for Editor, Coen Lammers, and what a high note to finish on. Coen, you will be very sadly missed! NZDSA is now advertising for a new Editor for CHAT 21. You can find out more about the role here.
|
|
WDSA Online Auction
It's coming! Ruth has secured a load of fabulous prizes for our online auction, thanks to the generosity of many local and national businesses. We'll be in touch when the auction goes live in a couple of weeks.
Funds raised go directly back into supporting our local Down syndrome community.
|
|
|
WEIT Givealittle
The Wellington Early Intervention Trust (WEIT) is a therapy based service for pre-school children with special needs. We are very fortunate to have the services of WEIT here in the Wellington region.
Due to restrictions this year, WEIT have had to cancel their annual pub quiz fundraiser so have set up a Givealittle page to seek donations to cover the Music Therapy component of their service, which is not government funded.
The Euphony Youth Ensemble will also be raising money for WEIT with a concert 'Count on Me'. In order to progress safely under Level 2, there will be two session times on Sunday 28 November. Tickets can be purchased via email. Ticket prices are: Adult: $20; Student: $15; Child: $10; Family (2 adults + 2 students/children): $50.
|
|
|
|
WDSA Christmas Party
Fa la la la la la, la la la laaaaaaaa - lock it in, the WDSA Christmas Party is set to be a cracker. Ice blocks, sausage sizzle, Fairy Cat & Friends (thanks Cat!) and the Big Guy in Red, it's all on. Remember to bring a wrapped, named gift for your kid(s) to the value of $10 for Santa's sack and a plate to share.
Note: we're currently working through the best way to approach this event safely at Level 2 and will let you know the plan next month.
1-3pm, 4 December
Knox Church
574 High Street
Boulcott
Lower Hutt
|
|
IHC Christmas Dinner
Calling all young people with an intellectual disability! You're cordially invited to a Christmas dinner function at The Pines on 25 November 2021. This event is kindly sponsored by the IHC and is for people aged 18 and over. There is no charge to attend but you'll need to RSVP - details below:
|
|
|
Special Children's Christmas Party
The annual spectacular is still planned for 27 November. Keep an eye on our Facebook page for details on how you can secure your tickets.
Time TBC
Saturday 27 November
Te Rauparaha Arena
Porirua
|
|
|
|
Nutrition & Gut Health
We all know how important a healthy diet is to our physical and mental wellbeing. But sometimes we need a little guidance to set us back on the right path.
As a health coach and parent of a child with Down syndrome, Andrea Simonlehner is fascinated with the relationship between health (brain and gut) and food. She specialises in working with parents and families of kids like ours to help them create a more balanced life. If you'd like to find out more, you can check out a presentation that Andrea has prepared for us on the topic (thanks Andrea!) or by visiting her website, blog, Facebook or Instagram.
|
|
THANKS FOR READING!
The WDSA Committee is made up entirely of volunteers.
We'd love to connect with members of the community who can spare a few hours to help here and there. If that sounds like you, sign up to our Friends of the Committee Facebook group.
|
|
|
|
|
