Super Sundae to raise funds for Down Syndrome
Sky News broadcaster Gráinne Seoige was on hand at Dublin’s Merrion Hotel to launch HB Ice Cream Sunday, in aid of Down Syndrome Ireland (DSI).
Taking place on May 21, the event will involve thousands of families, friends and children eating ice cream at parties all over the country.
HB will provide the ice cream, while party hosts will collect a suggested donation of €2 for every serving of ice cream.
DSI president Alan Crosbie said: “This is our fourth Ice Cream Sunday with HB and we are delighted again this year to have their support in our continued drive to improve the understanding of and provision for families and people with Down syndrome.
“It also raises essential funds for Down syndrome Ireland to continue its all-important work through our national resource centre,” he added.
The centre employs full-time specialists working in the areas of early intervention, counselling, health, education and independent living.
Down syndrome is a congenital condition randomly affecting one in every 600 infant boys and girls born worldwide.
There is no cure for the syndrome, which is caused by the presence of an extra copy of chromosome 21 in each of the body’s cells. It is a chromosomal accident, not caused by anything the parents may have done before or after pregnancy.
Hollywood actor Pierce Brosnan, the patron of DSI, will again be the voice and face of Ice Cream Sunday.
* To register as a May 21 host: call 1890 37 37 37, log on to www.downsyndrome.ie or get a registration form at SuperValu stores.
