Christmas Appeal

When mum Kate received a prenatal diagnosis of Down syndrome, she didn’t know what to expect and was worried about what the future might hold.

Through the Limerick branch of Down Syndrome Ireland, Kate found reassurance, guidance and a community of families who understood what she was going through. As Saibh grew, she became involved in playgroups and began accessing therapies. Now five, Saibh is a happy, sociable little girl who loves school, her family and getting involved in everything. 

“I really don’t think that she would be where she is now had she not had the support from Down Syndrome Ireland. That’s the honest truth.” 

For Kate, the support has been about more than therapies. It’s about having a community around her family, friendships with other parents and knowing there is always someone to turn to. 

For dad John, family life is full of activity. His son Thomas is 15 and loves hurling, particularly supporting Limerick, going to matches and listening to music. His uncle Gearóid, who recently celebrated his 50th birthday, enjoys music shows, dancing and bowling with Special Olympics. 

Gearóid lives with John and the family, and he and Thomas share a special bond. They enjoy playing snooker together, although they don’t quite agree on who is the better player! 

Since re-joining Down Syndrome Ireland’s Limerick branch, Thomas has joined the youth club. John hopes that both Thomas and Gearóid will have opportunities to build friendships, develop confidence and enjoy more social activities. 

Speaking about his nephew, Gearóid says: “he is very nice, we are happy people!” 

And Thomas is equally fond of his uncle: “he is my boy!” 

From the first reassuring conversation with a parent to access to therapies, social groups, youth clubs and opportunities to make lifelong friendships, Down Syndrome Ireland is here for people with Down syndrome and their families at every stage of life.

Make Down Syndrome Ireland part of your company’s Christmas. 

Christmas is a time for coming together, and your business can help create opportunities for children and adults with Down syndrome to connect, learn and take part in their communities. 

This year, we’re sharing the stories of Saibh, Thomas and Gearóid, celebrating the support, friendships and sense of belonging that matter throughout the year. By supporting our Christmas appeal, your company can help us continue our work alongside people with Down syndrome and their families across Ireland. 

There are lots of ways to get involved. Make a company donation, organise a festive fundraiser with your colleagues, host a Christmas Jumper Day or match the donations raised by your team. You could also choose to donate instead of purchasing corporate Christmas gifts. 

Whether you’re a small local business or a national organisation, we’d love to hear from you.

Contact markdoyle@downsyndrome.ie and we can explore an option that suits your company. 

Bring people together and make your Christmas celebrations go further. 

A festive coffee morning, a Christmas quiz, a bake sale or an evening of music – whatever you enjoy, you can turn it into a fundraiser for Down Syndrome Ireland. 

Invite your friends, family, neighbours or club to join you and help raise funds to support children and adults with Down syndrome and their families. Your event can be as simple or as ambitious as you like. A small gathering with people you know is a great place to start. 

Choose an activity, pick a date and ask people to donate or support your fundraising page. You could add a festive theme to an event you already have planned or create a new Christmas tradition in your community.

Make sure to set up an online fundraising page with iDonate and choose Down Syndrome Ireland as your charity. You can find our iDonate page here.

If you have an idea and aren’t sure where to begin, get in touch with our fundraising team. We’d love to hear what you’re planning and help you take the next step.  

Contact fundraising@downsyndrome.ie for more information.

Did you know you can support Down Syndrome Ireland just by shopping with us?

Check out our online shop for amazing merch, including limited-edition socks designed by Amy and Rachel for World Down Syndrome Day, cute pins, Croc charms, and more!

From cosy socks, to cute pins and pocket hugs, find the perfect gift for yourself or a loved one while supporting our Down syndrome community.

Visit our online shop here!

You can also buy the official Down Syndrome Ireland Christmas cards here!