Local gardai raise funds for Offaly Down Syndrome with Grand Canal walk this weekend
Guards and staff in Tullamore Division will trek 35km from Tullamore to Shannon Harbour
THE staff and members of the Tullamore Division of An Garda Siochana in Offaly are embarking on a 35km walk from Tullamore to Shannon Harbour on Saturday, August 24 next to raise funds for Offaly Down Syndrome Association.
Down Syndrome Offaly advocates for the rights, inclusion and wellbeing of individuals with Down Syndrome.
On an idonate page for the fundraiser, Down Syndrome Offay says it is dedicated to being the primary source of information and support to people with Down Syndrome, their families and the professional community, working towards an improved quality of life for its members along with a respect and acceptance of people with Down Syndrome as valued members of society.
“Through parent-led advocacy and partnering with like-minded organisations, we encourage our young people with Down Syndrome to develop self-determination. We also help with the funding of home teaching, speech & language therapy and music therapy for our families, plus we also hold a number of free social events for our members which includes anything from bowling & teenage discos to day trips and other social events,” says the organisation.
Donations can be made on the An Garda Siochana 35km Canal Bank Walk for Offaly Down Syndrome idonate page https://www.idonate.ie/event/garda35kmwalk
“Down Syndrome Ireland Offaly branch provides numerous services to our members including subsidising private therapies such as speech and language, occupational therapy, and our home teacher initiative for children under 12 years of age to name a few. We host regular family fun days throughout the year for our younger members as well as parent nights outs and discos for our teen and adult members.
“Our branch is going from strength to strength and the future looks bright for all our members. For this, we have to thank the huge generosity of the people of Offaly who have consistently supported our branch over the last thirty-four years of our existence in the county and hopefully will continue to do so into the future.
“Every single donation made to Offaly Down Syndrome, stays in Offaly. Your donation will help provide therapy sessions, social outings, and educational seminars & training for our members, siblings and families.”