FAQ

I made a mistake with my entry/donation. Who do I contact?
Email us at pamelam@cdss.ca, and we will fix it!

My images won't upload, what do I do?
Contact us at pamelam@cdss.ca, and we will help you!

How are votes counted?
Donations made in support of supporting individuals with Down syndrome and their families are valued at one vote for every $1.00 donated.

How do I get a top spot?
Fundraise! The Canadian Down Syndrome Society Calendar Contest is a fundraising activity to support individuals with Down syndrome and their families.

How do I change my photo?
Email us at pamelam@cdss.ca with your new photo, and let us know which entry is yours. Then we'll change the photo for you.

Do I have to live in Alberta to enter the contest?
You can enter the contest from anywhere! However, if any additional prizing is announced through the contest or items that can't be shipped (like the calendar itself), you will not qualify for those.

My pet has passed away, may I still enter him/ her?
Yes, you can; however, due to potential issues with photo quality, we recommend that you only enter if you can absolutely guarantee that your photos meet the image requirements. If they do not, the runner-up will be given your spot.

Who gets one of the calendar pages?
The thirteen (13) animals (one cover and 12 months – 6 dogs and 6 cats + other) with the most votes on November 7, 2024, at 12:00 PM EST will win the chance to be featured in the 2025 Canadian Down Syndrome Society "Paws & Pals" Calendar.

If I win a Top 13 spot in the calendar, what happens next?
If you win one of the Top 13 spots, you will be contacted directly by Canadian Down Syndrome Society regarding photos and photo quality. A selection of 3-4 print-quality photos of each winning animal must be provided by November 14, 2024, at 12:00 PM EST to be included in the production of the calendar.

What happens if I cannot get high-quality photos?
If appropriate print-quality photos are not provided by the deadline, Canadian Down Syndrome Society will offer the spot in the calendar to the next runner-up.

Can I be disqualified?
The Canadian Down Syndrome Society reserves the right to disqualify an entry based on objectionable content or depiction of the animal or persons in a photo. Donations collected will be refunded if requested by the donor.

What will The Canadian Down Syndrome Society do with my pet's entry once it has been uploaded?
By agreeing to the waiver, you will also acknowledge and give permission to The Canadian Down Syndrome Society to use the name, story and photo of the animal entered in future various publications and materials, including the 2025 "Paws & Pals" Calendar.

Will I receive a tax receipt?
Yes, tax receipts will be issued for all donations of $20 or more, unless specifically requested. Tax receipts will be emailed within four weeks of the end of the contest.

What are the image requirements for when I win? (so long as an animal does not look distressed, you may enter the contest with whatever picture you choose - but winning submissions must follow the below rules to print)

1. For the Top 13 winners - Photos must be high quality, taken at maximum resolution, 300 DPI, minimum file size of 4 MB (megabytes) in size and in a generally accepted file format. Please note: most phone photos will not meet these standards.
2. Photos submitted for the calendar must include at least one animal, who should be present in no less than 2/3 of the frame. Landscape format is preferred.
3. Please ensure that the photo is sharp and in focus with a clean background.
4. Pets who are shown outside:
   1. Dogs in photographs taken outdoors must be shown wearing a collar and ID tag.
   2. Cats in photographs taken outdoors must be shown in a safe environment (preferably in an enclosure/ catio or with a harness on) wearing an ID tag.
   3. Domestic birds, however, must only be shown indoors.
5. If the photo contains an individual, you must be able to confirm and provide written authorization from that person for The Canadian Down Syndrome Society to use the photo. However, it is preferred that the photo not feature people.

Where can I contact for any technical issues?
You can contact us by email at pamelam@cdss.ca.

Why Should I Enter?

• Be a Hero: Not just for your pet, but for families with the highest priority needs.
• Create Meaningful Memories: Picture your pet’s legacy in a calendar that brings smiles and courage to those facing tough challenges.
• Support an Impactful Cause: Your votes and entries make a real difference.