WHAT IS WORKDAY FOR DOWN

Workday for Down is a foundation dedicated to improving the lives of people with Down syndrome, primarily in Norway. In addition to complementing other foundations with similar goals, it was created to function as a gift-based foundation with minimal administration. Funds raised are earmarked for causes and organisations that directly benefit people with Down syndrome, while also promoting visibility and inclusion.

The foundation was started by Ingrid Bjørnov in 2015. The idea was to get people involved in a cheerful, community-driven effort on World Down Syndrome Day, March 21. Workday for Down began with a handwritten note on social media and a promise to donate one day’s honorarium to the cause. The initial goal was to raise one million Norwegian kroner for a digital knowledge center, organised by Downs Norway / Norwegian Network for Down Syndrome.

In 2018, the goal was reached, and the digital knowledge portal Oppsiden was officially launched. The opening ceremony was held on October 26 in Oslo and led by then-Prime Minister Erna Solberg. It marked a major milestone, made possible by the efforts of countless people across the country contributing their own “day’s work”: knitting, painting, recycling, baking, making music, dancing, carpentry, cleaning — even a little “dank for Down.”