Area 2 Freemasons, working closely with our colleagues in the Cheshire Freemasons Charity were able to nominate and support SunDowns, a charity centred around supporting families with children who have Down Syndrome, for a support grant from our annual allocation
Kim was able to join us for a chat in the office recently, and explained how SunDowns works.
The Charity was formed 24 years ago in Prenton, and Kim (pictured) joined shortly after. The aim of the Charity is to provide ongoing support and learning, not just for a child with Down Syndrome, but for the entire family. This comes in the form of respite retreats which operate annually at Ribby Hall, with entertainment and games – as well as key learning such as Makoton sign language, allowing children and young adults with Down Syndrome, along with their families, siblings, neighbours and schoolmates the opportunity to communicate together if speech is not an option.
Key learning such as this allows young adults with Down Syndrome the opportunity to establish some levels of independent living, a very keen concern for older parents looking out for the future of their family members
Area 2 in conjunction with CFC were able to support SunDowns with a payment of £2000 which will pay for 5 Down Syndrome families to attend Ribby Hall for a week in the summer, for much needed relaxation, respite, fun & games.
Kim and the entire SunDowns team wanted to pass on their thanks to the Freemasons of Area 2 and to stress how much this short break truly means for all those families involved.