Target Lauded for Including Children With Down Syndrome in Holiday Catalogue

Target is being praised for including children with Down syndrome in their latest Christmas catalogue.

One particular mother, Erin Statz, put the feelings of all those other parents into heartwarming words in a letter to Target shared by Love What Matters.

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“Dear Target,

“When my son Ronin was born with Down syndrome two years ago, we were shocked and scared but also saddened. Not saddened by the fact he had Down syndrome but by how we knew society would view him. What would his future be like?

“So today, I never imagined my son would be featured in your advertisement three times, with the latest being in your annual Toy book! You CHOSE to feature two children with Down syndrome and one child in a wheelchair in this year’s toy book and it’s awesome! By featuring my son in your advertising, you are showing society that all people matter and all people should be treated like everyone else. And I can show the world that Down syndrome isn’t scary, the possibilities are endless, and most importantly my son and our family are not suffering. Ronin is the blessing I never knew I needed. How did I get so lucky?

“Cheers to you Target for leading the way in this important mission. I hope many more companies and most importantly people will make inclusion happen and make it stay!”

Statz posted about the ad on her own Facebook page as well.

Since being posted, the letter has been liked nearly 30,000 times (as of press) and drawn hundreds of positive comments.