Sandymount hosts HB Fundays party for Down Syndrome Ireland

CELEBRITY chef Rachel Allen joined Down Syndrome Ireland and HB Hazelbrook Farm at the launch of the 2019 HB Fundays campaign last week.

Rachel announced the details of the 2019 HB Fundays campaign and called on the public to raise vital funds for Down Syndrome Ireland (DSI) by hosting a party with HB Hazelbrook Farm ice cream.

This year, DSI and HB Hazelbrook Farm hope to raise in excess of €300,000 from the HB Fundays campaign, with funds raised this year going towards increased support for families of children with Down syndrome.

As part of the campaign MACE Sandymount is holding a HB Fundays party on  July 19 to raise funds for Down Syndrome Ireland. 

The money raised is expected to help accelerate funding for two specific DSI programmes – See and Learn, which promotes speech and language development and aids.

At the first HB Fundays party of the year today, Rachel Allen encouraged the public to host their own HB Fundays party over the coming weeks.

“This is my second year as HB Fundays campaign ambassador and I am delighted to be involved with the initiative once again,” Rachel said.

“I have several friends who have children with Down syndrome and I have witnessed first-hand, the invaluable services that Down Syndrome Ireland provides to families nationwide.

“By organising your own HB Fundays party, you can not only raise much needed funds for Down Syndrome Ireland but share a little magic with others too.

“Launching the campaign again today was incredibly special and I am looking forward to hosting my own HB Fundays party this  year.’’

Commenting on the HB Fundays Campaign and its importance in raising vital funds, Eimear Collins, National Early Development Officer with Down Syndrome Ireland said: “The HB Fundays campaign is hugely important to Down Syndrome Ireland as the funds raised are so  vital to the organisation and this year is especially important as the funds will be going to two specific areas.

‘See and Learn’ is a specialised teaching programme to support the learning needs of young children with Down syndrome in small, manageable steps.

‘Parent-Link’ is a support service provided by parent volunteers and involves the parent of an older child with Down syndrome speaking with a new parent to offer support and answer any questions they may have.”

Elaine Prendergast, Brand Manager, Unilever Ireland added: “We are proud to be partnering with Down Syndrome Ireland on HB Fundays for the 18th year running.

“I’d like to extend my thanks to Rachel Allen yet again for lending her support to this year’s  campaign.

“Hosting a HB Fundays party is all about bringing people together and enjoying some delicious HB Hazelbrook Farm ice cream in the process.

“We hope the public will bring their love of ice cream and supporting a good cause together by hosting their own HB Fundays party and supporting the invaluable work of DSI.’’

Down Syndrome Ireland and HB Hazelbrook Farm have been running the HB Fundays campaign for 18 years.