Getting involved, doesn’t always involve giving. Getting involved can mean giving of your time or being willing to spread our news. UWD has a broadcast group on whatsapp we use to inform Friends of UWD of upcoming events and fundraisers. If you would like to be on this broadcast group, whatsapp 072 563 1983. And like us on Facebook or follow us on Instagram, which also makes a big difference.
DONATIONS
Donations do not always have to be monetary. Discounts, supplies and furniture are helpful to the centre. Up with Downs School, Hostel, Workshop and Adult Home all have wish lists. Please contact the school at upwithdowns@mweb.co.za or call 044 870 8770, if you are interested in helping.
UP WITH DOWN’S WISHLIST 2024
| SCHOOL | WORKSHOP | GARDEN | ADULT HOME | HOSTEL | LIFE SKILLS CENTRE AND RED WORKSHOP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plastic spoons x12 | Fabric 1,5/1,15mx1m pieces | Garden utensils (spade, garden fork, rake, etc) | Large air fryer | Cookware set (pots and pans) | Kettle |
| Knives x6 (small, serrated like victorinox) | Cushion inners for our handmade scatter cushions | Garden utensils (spade, garden fork, rake, etc) | Extra long hosepipe | Toaster (2 or 4 slices) | Water jug |
| Handheld blender x1 | DIY accessories and tools | Planters | Lawnmower | Furry carpet/rug | |
| Kitchen scale x1 | Woodwork powertools | Wheelbarrow | Blender | Printer and ink cartridge | |
| Cooling rack x2 | Seedlings | Pegboards and pegs | |||
| Peelers x5 (not y-shape) | Trellis for climbers | Small blackboards x9 | |||
| Tennis balls | Crazy fort/den/tent (like those pop-up tents) | ||||
| Set of Tippie readers in Afrikaans and English | Shape shifting box – Brain development puzzle | ||||
| CD player that takes USB/smart speaker | |||||
| Hammock/sensory swing | |||||
| Exercise ball x3 (like for Pilates) | |||||
| Wooden 3D puzzle | |||||
| Sensory pad bag | |||||
| Hoberman sphere expandable toy | |||||
| Eternal motion toys (Newtons cradle)/kinetic art | |||||
| Weighted blankets x 2 (1 small; 1 large) | |||||
| Magnetic building block set | |||||
| Air dry clay | |||||
| 3D pin art sculptures | |||||
| Star master star night light | |||||
| Big white board | |||||
| Set of white board markers |
Special needs children tend to generate more expenses than mainstream children, and we have parents who struggle to pay their school and/or hostel fees due to the higher living cost of their children. By sponsoring a child’s school or hostel fees it alleviates many of the pressures in the families’ lives.
VOLUNTEER
One of the biggest gifts you can give to someone is to give of yourself and your time. Whether it is a weekly art class for an hour or assisting at the swimming pool, sharing your knowledge and/or time is greatly appreciated. Volunteers to teach woodwork and DIY skills are needed as well as a volunteer for horse riding with the learners.
WALL OF FRIENDSHIP
The wall of friendship has a prime position in the school’s foyer. The wooden bricks say “thank you” to businesses and people who have donated a single amount of R1000.00 or more to Up with Downs.
MY SCHOOL CARD
By joining MySchool and nominating Up with Downs as your chosen school, additional funds are raised. Using your MySchool card at selected outlets such as Woolworths, Spur and Waltons, makes a big difference in the monthly income of UWD.
Click on the link if you would like to apply for a MySchool card or contact the office at 044 870 8770 or upwithdowns@mweb.co.za .