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Down Syndrome Ireland’s Ice Cream Fundays are back!
The iconic fundraiser invites supporters to host ice cream parties in aid of Down Syndrome Ireland.
Ice Cream Fundays, which raised vital funds to support people with Down syndrome for 20 years, took a break in 2021, but returns in an expanded format for 2024.
TV chef and Instagram sensation Gina Daly has joined forces with Down Syndrome Ireland to celebrate.
The Daily Dish author said: “My son Gene is two and a half, and he has Down syndrome. Over the last two and a half years it’s been a very new journey for us. Being involved with the Down syndrome community has been absolutely amazing. There is so much information available, and it provides a lovely community and safe space for parents who are navigating the journey and finding their way with their little one.”
Gene avails of a home school teacher provided by Down Syndrome Ireland’s Louth Meath branch, which she says is invaluable.
“It’s an absolutely fantastic service for us. Heather comes to the house one every two weeks and does an hour of homeschool with Gene. It’s nice for us to have a little break, and it’s great for Gene to see a new face. Even just for that hour, the response he has to her is amazing. She does numbers and colours, and when she leaves, he’s repeating it to me, he’s pointing out the colours. It’s just such an invaluable service. He’s coming on leaps and bounds from it. He’s using his words, he’s encouraging language, she’s using Lámh signs and he’s copying her, it’s great. I’m learning from it too.”
Gina wanted to get involved with Ice Cream Fundays to help create awareness and raise much needed funds for Down Syndrome Ireland.
“I think Gene has a bigger cult following than me! More people want to see him than my food, and I love that his smile is just infectious, and it makes people happy. Seeing that helps create awareness and I’m so delighted to be part of that.”
Taking place across June 17-23, schools, families, neighbours and friends are invited to host a party in their school, their home, the park, or anywhere they like, to have fun, enjoy ice cream and donate to Down Syndrome Ireland.
This event raises much-needed funds for Down Syndrome Ireland to continue their work nationwide. The charity provides vital services and supports to people with Down syndrome and their families, across all age groups nationwide.
Down Syndrome Ireland is asking supporters to get involved by hosting their own Fundays parties – you can register here.
Anyone who registers will get access to printable assets including posters, bunting and invitations.
