Snowflakes charity to receive funding

A NORTHSIDE charity is to receive €12,000 in Department of Health Lottery grant funding. 

Set up in January 2012, Snowflakes, based in Swords, is a support group for children with autism in the North Dublin area, their parents and siblings.  

Its aim is to organise events and provide local support to families affected by autism.

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs Dr James Reilly welcomed the funding announcement. 

“This is wonderful news,” he said. “Snowflakes is an excellent organisation which works hard to support around 130 families in North Dublin who are affected by autism. 

“I’ve met many families involved with Snowflakes and I see the help it provides. The grant will go towards a special sensory area for the children.’’

Minister Reilly added: “I was also pleased to see that the HSE has approved Snowflakes for a grant of €3,500 towards their Speech and Language Therapy (SLT) Occupational Therapy (OT) and Play Therapies. 

This is great news as it will allow them to subsidise more sessions for more children.’’

Dublin Fingal TD Alan Farrell (FG) also welcomed the news.

“Through their (Snowflakes’) hard-work, and their dedication to assisting those who need a helping hand, such health-related organisations make our communities a better place in which to live,” he said. 

Snowflakes recently found a permanent home at Holywell Community Centre in Swords, where they now have a dedicated room.

news@dublinpeople.com