SAVANNAH, Ga. - March 22, 2020 - The Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society (LDSS) is pleased to announce, along with long-time community partner, DIRTT Environmental Solutions, DIRTT's donation of more than $4,500 to the organization as we celebrate World Down Syndrome Day – March 21, 2020.
Local Savannah DIRTTbags chose LDSS as their 2019 Annual Partner and raised the funds through raffles and events, along with a shared vision to champion and celebrate acceptance and inclusion. LDSS has honored two DIRTTbags in the Savannah plant in recent years at their annual Night of Champions event – William Greene in 2015 and Chris Maynor in 2019.
"The DIRTTBags embody a beautiful message that if you can look beyond a label you might find unexpected blessings," said John Bogardus, LDSS president and co-founder. "When we peeked inside the 'bag' we found our shining stars. Their example is a reminder that by looking beyond the label of disability, you can discover unexpected potential."
DIRTT, which stands for Doing It Right This Time, uses technology-driven advanced manufacturing and a sustainable, prefab approach to interior construction that creates cost, schedule and quality certainty and long-term adaptability. Founded and headquartered in Calgary, DIRTT opened its Savannah facility in 2009 that now employs more than 100 DIRTTbags, as they all themselves. DIRTT's culture is based on excellence, innovation and collaboration.
"It is our privilege to continue to partner with the Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society as part of our progressive approach to corporate responsibility and philanthropy," said Laura Lee Bocade, based in DIRTT's Savannah plant. "We couldn't agree or align more with the mission of LDSS – inclusion of a segment of our community that make for OUTSTANDING employees – and we couldn't ask for a better group of leaders to make this vison a reality than our LDSS colleagues. I'm continually amazed at the wisdom of DIRTTbags to select the best community partners, year after year."
During raffles, contests and events held over the past 6 months, Savannah DIRTTBags $4,666 in support of the Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society and are excited to present the funds to LDSS on the occasion of World Down Syndrome Day. A check presentation 'ceremony' and luncheon in DIRTT's plant and Café with LDSS and DIRTT teams and local individuals and families but plans changed due to the current social-distancing protocol.
World Down Syndrome Day will be celebrated on March 21. This global awareness day has been officially observed by the United Nations since 2012. Its purpose is to raise understanding of what Down syndrome is, what it means to have Down syndrome, and how people with Down syndrome play a vital role in our lives and communities.
