Buddy Walk in the Outback: Cobar 2010

The 2010 Buddy Walk - Australia season finished with a new event in outback NSW, on 7th November. The Cobar Weekly reported:

Sharon Harland decided to coordinate a Buddy Walk in Cobar in support of friends who have children with Down syndrome.

“I have a little friend Daniel who is five years old and also a neighbour, Jacqui, who both have Down syndrome,” Mrs Harland said.

“They are gorgeous, funny little people who are just a bit different to most other kids. “Until I met Daniel and his family, I knew pretty much nothing about Down syndrome so getting to know Daniel has helped me to gain a better understanding of his abilities.”

Mrs Harland said the aim of a Buddy Walk is for a community to show support to families of children with Down syndrome and to celebrate their children’s achievements.

“Daniel and Jacqui already have great support from their families, their schools and a number of local community groups they are involved in.

“As they grow up they will come into contact with more people, and it will help if those people know something about Down syndrome.

“The main focus of the Cobar Buddy Walk is on raising awareness rather than raising money.

“I will however be asking walkers for a gold coin donation which will go to Down Syndrome NSW which provides support for families with children with Down syndrome.

“If people finish the walk knowing one or two more facts about Down syndrome, then I’d class it as a success,” Mrs Harland said.

And a great success it was, with 163 people participating, including a contingent of 10 from Bourke, 2 1/2 hour away. Participants ranged from just five months (Gus who was pushed in his pram by his dad David) up to 76 years. The walk was also supported by a number of groups including St John’s School staff, Cobar Pre School staff, Cobar Scouts, Cobar Guides and the Cobar Weighwatchers group. After completing the 4.8km walk, many families finished the day with a sausage sizzle at the Newey. Donations, proceeds from the sale of Buddy Walk merchandise and the sausage sizzle helped to raise $850 for Down Syndrome NSW to support families with children living with Down syndrome.

Thank you Cobar!