Charity of the Year 2021: KAEFER UK & Ireland

The industrial services giant KAEFER UK & Ireland has chosen Down syndrome as the focus for its charity work in 2021. The company, which has 1,200 staff throughout Ireland and the UK, will partner with the leading Down syndrome charities in Ireland, Scotland, England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. In Ireland, Down Syndrome Ireland will be their Charity of the Year for 2021.

The company, which is headquartered in Cork, will partner with Down Syndrome Ireland throughout 2021 to raise vital funds for the charity so they can provide additional supports for toddlers and children transitioning into school during Covid 19.

Chris Foulkes, CEO, KAEFER UK & Ireland “It’s a real pleasure for KAEFER to support Down Syndrome Ireland as our charity of the year for Ireland. Never more so than in these challenging times have our charities needed our support. We are happy not only to help with fundraising for DSI to continue helping people who have Down syndrome live full and rewarding lives, but also to take the opportunity to challenge business to raise our game with respect to inclusivity, diversity, and equality. Our KAEFER family are already looking forward to creating some exciting events in 2021 with DSI and I guarantee we’ll also have a bit of fun working together.”

Commenting on the good news, Deirdre Saul, Interim Chief Executive, Down Syndrome Ireland said: “We are thrilled to be partnering with KAEFER and excited at the opportunities this unique partnership will present for children with Down syndrome living in Ireland. The impact of Covid-19 on the members of Down Syndrome Ireland has been hugely significant. Our youngest members have been particularly impacted due to limited access to therapies and to activities such as parent and toddler groups, new parents’ groups and extracurricular activities that would support cognitive, physical, and communication development. Transitioning to online sessions has allowed us to maintain strong links with the under 6 age groups and also to develop relationships with their parents. “With the support of Kaefer, we will develop a series of online sessions focusing on supporting toddlers and children transitioning to school. We are so grateful for KAEFER for their vital support at a time when our work has never been more needed.”

KAEFER got their backing of Down Syndrome Ireland off to an immediate start. Staff at KAEFER are already taking part in a 50-day x 5k challenge which will see them running on Christmas day raising funds and awareness about Down syndrome.