HB Hazelbrook Farm Ice Cream Fundays Campaign aims to raise €300,000 for Down Syndrome Ireland

26 May 2014

Broadcaster Miriam O’Callaghan and children’s presenter Diana Bunici showed their softer side today as they launched this year’s HB Hazelbrook Farm Ice Cream Fundays in aid of Down Syndrome Ireland.

 

The campaign, which is once again generously supported by HB Hazelbrook Farm, runs during May and June with hundreds of fun ice cream parties being hosted across the country supported by thousands of volunteers.

 

Adorable five-year-old Lilly May Killion from Tyrellstown, Dublin 15 and Aaron Duignan (5) from Dunshaughlin, Co Meath joined friends Adam Cowzer (5) and Sophie Corley (2) to dish out the ice creams and fun to their favourite presenters at the launch of this year’s popular fundraising event.

 

Once again Tesco Ireland has come on board this year by committing to host HB Hazelbrook Farm ice cream parties in their stores all in aid of Down Syndrome Ireland.

 

Over the past 11 years the HB Hazelbrook Farm Ice Cream Fundays campaign has raised more than €3.3million for Down Syndrome Ireland. 

 

The monies raised provide much needed funds for the development of Down Syndrome Ireland’s nationwide support services to its 3,000-strong member families, which are in huge demand and under resourced.

 

Pat Clarke, Chief Executive of Down Syndrome Ireland said: “We are humbled by the support and generosity from all the volunteers around the country who 1090 HB Ice Cream parties last year; and of course the generous personal support by HB Hazelbrook Farm. Without their support this annual national fundraiser would not have been possible. Charities need your help more than ever and we would appeal to families, schools and companies to host an ice cream party this year and do something special.”

 

Sarah Atkins Brand Manager for HB Hazelbrook Farm said: “Down Syndrome Ireland is a fantastic charity and one that we are incredibly proud to support. We are so thankful to everyone who got involved in raising funds and we hope to make this year’s HB Ice cream Fundays campaign an even greater success.”

Down Syndrome Ireland celebrates its 44th anniversary this year.  The organisation which has over 3,000 member families across 25 branches nationwide, is the largest organisation concerned with the welfare of people with a learning disability in Ireland.

The charity is 97pc funded by voluntary contributions and events organised by its members.