SOUTHSIDE kids Beula Lynch, from Foxrock, and Alex Smith, Kilmacud, gave a helping hand at the Down Syndrome Ireland (DSI) and Nestlé in Ireland Charity of the Year 2017/18 partnership announcement.
Nestlé’s employees in Ireland have committed to raise €70,000 for Down Syndrome Ireland (DSI) in a new partnership. The initiative will involve over 700 employees from Nestlé Ireland, Citywest, and Nestlé’s Wyeth Nutrition infant formula plant in Askeaton, County Limerick, raising funds to benefit the services and supports provided by DSI for families with Down Syndrome.
DSI supports over 3,500 members across Ireland through its specialist services in healthcare, education, early development, speech and language therapy and independence.
These funds will go towards a new multi-sensory and family room in Down Syndrome Ireland’s national support office in Ballymount. This will provide a drop-in respite space for family members and an area to relax in when visiting Dublin for hospital appointments.
The much-needed funds will also contribute to services such as the home teacher programme, speech & language therapy and new parent support in the Limerick branch.
Mary Doherty, President of Down Syndrome Ireland, said: “Our charity is the voice of people with Down Syndrome and their families throughout Ireland. Each year we need to raise 95 percent of our €3 million euro costs to enable us to continue to provide services to our members across Ireland.
“This partnership will make a significant contribution to helping us maintain our essential services. Many thanks to Nestlé and to all their staff for committing to raise these much-needed funds for Down Syndrome Ireland.”