In the Community: Down Syndrome Ireland
Boyne Valley Honey have been supporters of Down Syndrome Ireland since 1996. The annual Boyne Valley Honey Days raises vital funds for this very worthwhile cost. Down Syndrome Ireland is an organisation of people with Down syndrome and their parents and guardians. It has over 3000 member families with 25 branches nationwide, and is funded by voluntary contributions and events organised by its members.
Down Syndrome Ireland has grown from modest beginnings in 1971 into a truly national organisation. It is the biggest single group concerned with the welfare of people with a learning disability in Ireland.
Since 1996 funds raised through Boyne Valley Honey Days campaigns have contributed towards:-
- Pioneering medical research and the publication of medical guidelines on ‘Medical Management of Children and Adolescents with Down Syndrome in Ireland
- The establishment of ‘Mainstream Education’ and ‘Early Intervention Programs’
- The national and regional support of Down Syndrome Ireland and the association’s 24 regional branches.
Press Release:
Be a Honey and buy a Pot this October...
Thursday 30th September 2010: Down Syndrome Ireland today launched it’s annual Boyne Valley Honey Days campaign. Running throughout the month of October, it sees the welcome return of the mini Boyne Valley Honey pots on sale for €2 from volunteers nationwide. You can also support the campaign online by purchasing a virtual Boyne Valley Honey pot at www.downsyndrome.ie. All monies raised will enable Down Syndrome Ireland to continue to provide its vital services to members including its helpline & information service, which last year had over 10,000 calls; its member support officer; publications and information seminars, as well as a wide range of local support services. These services are 95% funded by the public.
Speaking about the campaign, Mr. Pat Clarke, Chief Executive of Down Syndrome Ireland said: “We have 3000 members and without the support of the public in campaigns like these, we are in danger of losing these vital services. We understand people are stretched financially but we can sincerely guarantee that their €2 will go directly to helping families and people with Down syndrome, whatever stage they are at, from new babies to adults”.
Speaking about their long term support for Down Syndrome Ireland through Boyne Valley Honey Days, Ms. Jennifer Richards, Marketing Director with Boyne Valley Honey said: “This is our 15th year supporting Down Syndrome Ireland and we are delighted that monies raised this October will go directly to supporting the frontline services that are invaluable to families across the country”.
Issued By: Rachel Graham, Lighthouse Agency Ltd, 086 8488092
Note to Editor:
Down Syndrome Ireland is an organisation of people with Down syndrome and their parents and guardians. It has over 3000 member families with 25 branches nationwide, and is funded by voluntary contributions and events organised by its members
Down Syndrome Ireland has grown from modest beginnings in 1971 into a truly national organisation. It is the biggest single group concerned with the welfare of people with a learning disability in Ireland.