The Sustainability Challenge for Sunshine & Smiles

Sunshine & Smiles is a charity very close to our hearts. Since it began in 2012 it has grown & developed hugely & we have a solid foundation of support & sessions for children & young people who have Down syndrome & their families. The challenge we face is sustaining that vital foundation while continuing to develop & aiming towards a degree of self-sufficiency. We also want to offer training & employment opportunities for young adults who have Down syndrome. We are excited about moving forwards & want to start to research & plan but feel hugely responsible to ensure that we develop securely & without risk to the amazing work that Sunshine & Smiles does including: Speech & Language therapy for over 60 children per month 5 different age specific groups Fortnightly swimming Monthly football Individual support Holiday activities & celebrations Free access to counselling & complementary therapies Interpreting support Transport for those who would not be able to get to our groups without it! And raising awareness with the aim of changing social views of disability. So... The Sustainability Challenge ... funding is getting harder to find, services for our families are diminishing so we are raising funds to underpin the very heart of Sunshine & Smiles. This year we will be taking on a number of challenges hoping we can sustain our bodies too!! Please help us reach our goal! April - The Dirty Reiver - 200km gravel bike challenge - Kevin (complete!) May - Leeds 1/2 Marathon - Ailith & Kevin (complete!) June - Leeds Triathlon - Ailith (complete) July - The Yorkshire 3 Peaks - Ailith (complete) July - Leeds Mini & Junior Runs Aiyana & Thalia (complete) July - Leeds 10K - Ailith (complete) September - The Great North Run - Ailith (complete) September - Yorkshire 3 Peaks Cyclo-Cross Race - Kevin (complete) October - The Yorkshire Marathon - Ailith (complete) 'I wouldn't change you for the world, but I wish I could change the world for you.' Unknown