What is Stink Week Anyway?

Created in 2011, by then fourth grader, Jack Dunning, Stink Week is a fundraiser and campaign to raise awareness about children with hearing loss. Jack wanted to come up with a fun way for him and his friends to help kids with hearing loss, like his sister Bella. Since he, at that time, didn't like to change his clothes, he came up with the idea of wearing the same shirt for one week to 'make a stink' for hearing loss. Stinkers wore their t-shirts for 7 days and got a lot of attention for children with hearing loss. 

Jack (2nd from the right) and his fellow Stinkers!

Every year Stink Week has grown and changed! This week long campaign has developed into an opportunity for participants to do more than just wear the same shirt every day. Stinkers actively learn about hearing loss every day, share what they learn with others, and participate in daily challenges. Stinkers work to raise awareness about hearing loss as much as they work to raise funds to support hearing loss programs.

Why Stink?

Stink Week is a lot fun, but ultimately Stink Week was created to ensure stories like these keep happening:

"Xavier was diagnosed later than a lot of kids but because of the programs The Decibels Foundation supports, he is beginning to understand, sign, and speak like a typical 2 year old." ~Jessica Zakrajsek

"At just 18 months old, our amazingly talkative son Wils, when asked about Stink Week 2016, said “oh man,” "pee-yoo,” and “thank you!”  He’s a funny, social, little chatterbox thanks to the team at The Minute Man Arc Early Intervention Hearing Loss Program. Please help us make a stink about hearing loss to raise awareness and funds so that all the children of Massachusetts with hearing loss can get the support they and their families need." ~Tori & Mike Banu

Since 2011, over 900 children, students, teachers, parents, and other supporters have taken one week out of their year to Make a Stink about Hearing Loss! Thanks to Jack's innovative idea, we have raised over $100,000 to support children with hearing loss and their families while raising awareness about hearing loss. 

If you have any questions regarding Stink Week, please contact Bonnie Fitzpatrick at b.fitzpatrick@decibelsfoundation.org or (978) 637-2622.