​​​​​​While socks for some are simply a utilitarian part of the wardrobe, others have made them into a bold fashion statement. For Davis Chevrolet GMC Buick LTD. in Airdrie (part of the Davis Auto Group), socks have become a way to raise awareness.

In honour of World Down Syndrome Day, celebrated on March 21 - which is particularly significant as the date is meant to symbolize the triplication of the chromosome that causes Down Syndrome (Trisomy 13), the local automotive dealership is hosting its third annual ‘Rock Your Socks’ campaign. So, if you happen to stop by the business and notice a plethora of brightly coloured, but mismatched socks that the staff have donned, you know why.

aA local Airdrie business is rocking mismatched socks to raise awareness on World Down Syndrome Day. (Photo provided by Brittney Horvath) 

But it's not just the staff who are participating. Brittney Horvath, the Marketing Manager at Davis Chevrolet explained that the business has purchased socks from Canadian company SockRocket, which has pledged that they will donate three additional pairs of socks to organizations in need for each pair purchased.

Horvath said that on Monday they had run out of socks to sell, but they have replenished their stocks. Residents are encouraged to stop by and get a pair for a minimum $10 donation (cash only). 

"I think it's important that as a business in Airdrie; We always need to give back to our community where we can," she said. "We really like being involved and we really like raising awareness for things that people may not be aware of. People [with Down Syndrome] are no different than us. They're all really loving people."

Horvath said the goal is to sell out all pairs today. All the money raised from the socks sales at Davis will be donated to Airdrie Abilities Centre.

It is estimated that nationwide, one in every 781 babies is born with Down syndrome. There are an estimated 45,000 Canadians with Down syndrome, according to The Down Syndrome Association of Toronto (DSAT).

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