Graduation

Congratulations to the wonderful students from our Athboy class who graduated recently.

Aimee, Ann-Marie, Cara, Cathal, Deirdre, Dualta, Eileen, Eleanor, Emily,Fintan, Joan, Liam, Katie, Michelle, Monica, Teresa and Tomás graduated from a mixof four courses – Latch-On Literacy and Technology, MOTE My Opinion My Vote,Work Skills and Personal Development.

Athboy Graduation Class 2022

They were joined by proud families, friends, teachers and DSI branch and national representatives for a lovely celebration ceremony in the Darnley Lodge Hotel, Athboy.

The Athboy class started out in September 2016 with 10 students for a two-year Latch-On programme. After an enjoyable and worthwhile two years, and with 8 morestudents joining, the class continued to work through DSI’s adult education modules.With the programme extended due to Covid, all modules were completed in March2022.

The Louth Meath branch was delighted to have such a fantastic group of students. We look forward to seeing them move on, building on the skills and friendships that havebeen developed over the six years of the programme.

Funding Scheme for 2022

The members of the Down Syndrome Ireland Louth Meath Branch have agreed at the Branch AGM held on 18th May 2022, to provide a funding scheme for branch members to help cover the cost of therapies, and sports / recreational activities in 2022 that will be of benefit to our members with Down syndrome.
Please find attached the application form for the Funding Scheme for 2022 and also a copy of the Terms and Conditions of the Funding Scheme.  

Application

Members should submit completed application forms, accompanied by receipts and details of fundraising undertaken or details of committee duties carried out or details where you volunteered at Branch activities & events during the year to the Branch Administrator Brendan Stephenson before the end of January 2023 for therapies/activities that took place the previous year (ex. activities/therapies that took place in 2022, the application should be made between 1st January. – 31st January 2023.) 
The Treasurer (who is a volunteer) will endeavour to process applications before the end of February. (Applications submitted after 31st January will be processed the following year)

Please send forms to:

Brendan Stephenson
9 Ashdale,
Wheaton Hall,
Drogheda,
Co. Louth
A92 KDK8

Details of the Funding Scheme can be found on our Website https://dsilmb.ie/more/funding-scheme/

Pound the Pavements 2022

Down Syndrome Ireland Louth Meath Branch in association with Indaver and LMFM is holding a Fundraising Event called Pound the Pavements to raise vital funds for the Branch.

How to Register

Register for the event here on myrunresults on this link https://www.myrunresults.com/events/pound_the_pavements_for_down_syndrome_louth___meath_branch/4095/details

There is an option to donate further or to set up an iDonate page for the event to raise funds for the Branch.

When you register, there is also the chance to purchase optional merchandise for the event.

We are asking friends, family and members of the local communities across Louth and Meath to join us in our virtual summer event – Pound the Pavements – to help raise much needed funds for DSI’s Louth Meath Branch.

When is this happening?

Over 21 days from 1st – 21st (inclusive) June 2022

Who can take part?

We are inviting all family, friends – at home and overseas – as well as members of our local communities across Louth and Meath to take part in this virtual event.

Dress up in purple and green and help us create a sea of walkers and runners across every town, village and road in Louth and Meath to Pound the Pavements over 21 km for the local Louth Meath Branch.

How can you take part?

This is a virtual event. Walk or run – you decide. The activity and pace for this event is entirely up to you. The goal is simply to have fun and reach 21km over 21 days. How you do it is up to you!!

Why 21km over 3 weeks?

Typically, a baby is born with 46 chromosomes. Babies with Down syndrome have an extra copy of one of these chromosomes, chromosome 21, hence the 21km.  Babies with Down Syndrome are born with 3 copies of chromosome 21 (rather than the usual two), hence the 3 weeks/ 21 days!

Cost of the event?

€10 for an individual

€20 for a family

There will also be an option to donate further when you register or an option to set up an iDonate page to raise funds.

We would love to hear about your progress.  Join us on our virtual challenge social media groups, connect with fellow participants, share your photos and stories on how you are progressing.

More about our branch:

Down Syndrome Ireland LouthMeath Branch provides support and information to over 350 families with a family member with Down syndrome in the counties of Louth & Meath. Down Syndrome Ireland LouthMeath Branch is run on a voluntary basis by parents of children with Down syndrome with the aid of a part time Administrator. DS Louth / Meath believes in supporting families to ensure the best quality of life possible for our members with Down syndrome. We work together, united in our aim to achieve respect, acceptance and equality within society for our members with Down syndrome.

The cost of running the Branch and managing the educational programmes, clubs and funding schemes per annum is in excess of €150,000, the vast majority of which is raised by parents of children with Down syndrome. 100% of funds raised directly benefit our members with Down syndrome. Without the generosity of the people of the Counties Louth and Meath these vital Programmes would have to be curtailed.

Please ensure that you comply fully with public health guidelines for the duration of this event.

Virtual Christmas Party Invitation

INVITATION

We have organised a Virtual Christmas Party for our Adult and Older Teenage Members.


When: Wednesday 22 December 2020
Time: 7 – 9PM
Where : Zoom Platform


The Party will be Hosted By Shay Casserly & Linda Farrell who will be assisted by Philip Connolly & Stephen Farrell.

Zoom Link has been sent out by email

NATIONAL RAFFLE WINNERS ANNOUNCED

Thank you to everyone who supported our first National raffle for Down Syndrome Ireland, the support nationally throughout our branch network was hugely appreciated.


The draw took place at the National Office in Dublin with Ross O’Neill, National Advisory Council, Barry Sheridan CEO of Down Syndrome Ireland and an independent observer Gerry Cully who checked all winning tickets were valid.

The winning tickets were sold by our branches in Sligo, Longford Westmeath and Louth Meath.


The winners are :


1st Prize Hyundai i10 Car – Winner Joanne Moore
2nd Prize Week Stay iNua Collection Hotels – Winner Marek Strutynski
3rd Prize €500 Dunnes Stores Gift Car – Winner Rebecca Finnegan


Seller Prize Weekend stay Kellys Resort Wexford – Winner Aine O’Sullivan


Congratulations to all the winners and thank you to all the people who bought and sold tickets.

ShareTheJourney #DSI50th

VIRTUAL HALLOWEEN DISCO & PARTY

INVITATION


VIRTUAL HALLOWEEN DISCO & PARTY


We are organising a Virtual Halloween Disco & Party for our Adult and older Teenage Members.


When: Sunday 31 October 2021
Time: 7 – 9PM
Where: Zoom Platform


Why not invite some friends together to your home and party at home.

The Party will be Hosted By Shay Casserley & Linda Farrell who will be assisted by Philip Connolly & Stephen Farrell.


Invitation details have been sent out by email

50th Anniversary National Raffle through our local branch network

As part of our 50th Anniversary celebrations, we are holding a national raffle through our local branch network throughout Ireland. We have 25 branches across Ireland that offer a range of services and supports to children and adults with Down syndrome and their families.

The raffle will support the DSI community at a local level as well as helping further develop supports at a national level ensuring continued support to people with Down syndrome across the lifecycle.

Your support will help make a real difference to the lives of children and adults with Down syndrome.


Prizes


1st Prize – A Hyundai i10 Classic
2nd Prize – A week stay in one of the iNua hotels
3rd Prize – €500 Dunnes Stores gift card


Seller’s prizes – Weekend break for 2 adults & 2 children in Kelly’s Resort Hotel & Spa in Wexford!
Tickets €10


To support your local branch, purchase your ticket by contacting the Branch on 0838972044 or secretarydslm@gmail.com or any Committee member.


If you would like to sell tickets on behalf of the Branch please contact Brendan on 0838972044 or secretarydslm@gmail.com.

If you wish to buy online, we have a dedicated iDonate page for you to do so.


Please note that proceeds from Tickets bought on the iDonate link do not come to the Branches but to DSI Head office to support national projects. If you wish to support the Branches please buy the tickets from the Branches.

The draw will take place on November 19th, 2021.