It’s Party Time with HB and Down Syndrome Ireland!

25 April 2013

It's that time of year again, the sun may not exactly be shining but summer is coming and ice cream is on the menu! If you'd like to be a kid for a day, while raising money for a worthwhile cause, sign up to host a fun HB Ice Cream Funday Party in aid of Down Syndrome Ireland.

This May and June, Down Syndrome Ireland and HB Hazelbrook Farm are asking people up and down the country to host ice cream parties in their homes, workplace, creche or school.

Celebrating its eleventh anniversary this year, the Ice Cream Fundays campaign has to date raised over €2m for a wide range of supports and services to ensure people with Down syndrome, young and old to reach their full potential.

With its work 97% funded by the generosity of the public and long-term sponsors like HB Hazelbrook Farm, Down Syndrome Ireland provides support for families, early intervention, educational, counselling and health advice and projects to develop independence and improve the quality of life for our members.

Nation's favourite Ray Foley said: "I'm delighted to be involved with the Ice Cream Fundays campaign this year. It's a great fun event for families with all monies raised going to support vital frontline services for children and adults with Down syndrome".

Speaking at the launch, Down Syndrome Ireland's Fundraising Co-Ordinator Sandra Boland said: "Our Ice Cream Fundays parties are great, fun events for everyone, both kids and adults, as you're never too old for ice-cream! Every year we are overwhelmed by the response as each year over 1,000 parties register with over 150,000 people attending nationwide, which is such a fantastic result. We also hope to make this year extra special as we try to raise over €300,000."

Sandra went on to say "Down Syndrome Ireland's work is 97% funded by the generosity of the public and long term sponsors like HB Hazelbrook Farm. Without the support for these wonderful campaigns like our Ice Cream Funday Party, we would not be in a position to maintain the level and quality of essential services that we provide our members."

Brand Manager with HB, Nicola Tougher said "Down Syndrome Ireland is a fantastic charity and one we are incredibly proud to support. We would love to encourage everyone to get involved in raising funds and to make this year's HB Hazelbrook Farm Ice cream Fundays campaign the best yet and hit our €300,000 target. Every euro counts and nobody should worry about how much they raise, it all adds up and it all helps provide funds for vital services. "

To get involved and receive your Party Pack, which includes posters, invitations, balloons and vouchers for free HB Hazelbrook Farm Ice Cream, register online at www.downsyndrome.ie or lo call 1890 37 37 37.ENDS