People of Tipperary Called on to Support Vital Services for Down Syndrome Ireland

Down Syndrome Ireland is calling on the people of Tipperary to spare some

Karen Koster and Cathy-May Foote at TV3 studios. Photograph by: Barbara McCarthy

lolly for its annual Boyne Valley Honey Days Campaign this month.

TV3 was a hive of activity today as Xpose presenter Karen Koster joined Cathy-May Foote and Sinead Heeney from Co Dublin to celebrate the launch of Down Syndrome Ireland’s 2013 Boyne Valley Honey Days campaign.

The campaign, which is generously supported by The Boyne Valley Honey Company, is one of Down Syndrome Ireland’s largest fundraisers and is in its 18th year.

According to Sandra Poyzer, of the Tipperary branch of Down Syndrome Ireland: “The Boyne Valley Honey Days is intended to not only raise funds, but also to increase public awareness of the potential and achievements of those with Down Syndrome and we would like everyone in Tipperary to come out and support it.”

This important fundraising campaign will take place throughout October and will see hundreds of busy bee volunteers and supporters across the country selling Boyne Valley mini honey pots for €2- or honey lollipops for €1- in a bid to raise funds for Down Syndrome Ireland.

Gorgeous three-year-olds, Sinead and Cathy-May joined Karen Koster to raise awareness of the campaign today.

Karen Koster said: “I am absolutely delighted to support this campaign, it is such a good cause and I would encourage everyone to get involved by purchasing one of the honey pots or lollipops.”

Pat Clarke, CEO of Down Syndrome Ireland added: “Honey Days is an extremely important fundraising event for us and we would encourage the public to support it. We would also like to say a massive thank you to all of our volunteers and supporters.”

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 been shared from the between the national organisation and local branches and support a wide range of projects at both local and national level.

Services and supports are provided by Down Syndrome Ireland from infancy throughout adulthood.

If you would like to help – telephone 01 4266500, follow us on Facebook or visitdownsyndrome.ie