BOV employees in odd socks for Down Syndrome Day

21st March is not only the beginning of spring, but also commemorates World Down Syndrome Day. Bank of Valletta chose this day for its first Dress Down Day for 2018, which is dedicated to the Down Syndrome Association (Malta).

On this occasion, employees across the organisation reported to work in casual attire. In addition they were invited to wear odd socks and take team photos. “We had been planning to dedicate a Dress Down Day for this NGO for a while now,” explained Charles Azzopardi, Executive PR & Marketing at Bank of Valletta. “Over the weeks during which our team worked with the association, we got a better understanding of these people and the challenges they face. Our aim is that through our people’s contributions, we help the association with the setting up of a multisensory room at the premises of the association for its youngest members, thereby ensuring that they have a safe environment where they can meet up.”

Thanking BOV employees for their contributions, Joeanna Xerri, President of the Down Syndrome Association Malta explained that, “As parents, we struggle to create greater awareness, so that our children are able to access the same resources available to their peers, and develop to their full potential.”

Speaking about their premises in Valletta, Ms Xerri said that this building serves as an important base for the members to meet. Several activities, both social as well as educational are organised for the members and their carers. Thus, it is important that these premises are adequate for the needs of all the members, particularly young children.”

World Down Syndrome Day is observed annually on the 21st March to raise public awareness about Down Syndrome, a congenital disorder caused by having an extra 21st chromosome. The idea of wearing odd socks on the day started off because chromosomes are shaped ‘like socks’ and people with Down’s Syndrome have the extra chromosome.