Offaly Down Syndrome Association launches major raffle fundraiser
Offaly Down Syndrome Association is launching a major fundraising initiative with the aim of helping to achieve a new home for the charity.
The association's 'Big Raffle' is now up and running, and offers a top prize of a Suzuki Swift hybrid car worth €24,000 from Hugo Loonam Motors in Cloghan.
Ticket sales for the draw will continue until December 22, with the winners being announced on December 31, live from The Tullamore Court Hotel.
Ann Crombie, the chair of Offaly Down Syndrome, said the voluntary association has grown significantly over the last forty years and now has a membership of more than 60 people.
"In 2024, we want to find a new building that will hold significant meaning and impact for our members, fostering a positive environment for both individuals with Down Syndrome and their families," she said.
Ann said it was hoped the new premises would deliver "enhanced facilities, a Community Hub, a dedicated place for specialised programmes and services, and educational opportunities.
"Our new home should also prioritise accessibility and inclusion, family support services, and advocacy and awareness, whilst also being a symbol of progress," she added.
"Basically, it's time for us to have ourselves a home, one that will cater for our needs and the needs of the community, a place where our members can be educated, entertained, and become a hub for services and awareness, whilst also giving us the opportunity to expand.
"After 40 years, we need our own front door."
Offaly Down Syndrome Association was founded in 1984 by a small group of parents who wanted to make a difference for their children with Down Syndrome.
"Through parent-led advocacy and partnering with like-minded organisations for the last 40 years, we have encouraged our young people with Down Syndrome to develop self-determination," said Ann.
"We also help with the funding of home teaching, speech & language therapy, and music therapy for our families, plus we hold several free social events for our members which includes anything from bowling and teenage discos to day trips and other social events."
Outlining the details of the Big Raffle fundraiser, branch administrator Robbie Donnelly said: "This World Down Syndrome Day, March 21, Offaly Down Syndrome Association officially launches The Offaly Down Syndrome Big Raffle, a significant fundraising initiative aimed at improving the lives of individuals with Down Syndrome in our community by raising funds to find a new home for the association.
"The first prize is a 215 Suzuki Swift 1.2 Mild Hybrid worth €24,000 from Hugo Loonam Motors in Cloghan, Offaly," said Robbie.
"The second prize is a holiday of your dreams, to the value of €4,000, with Midland Travel in Tullamore, and third prize is a 12-month gym membership to The Fitness Club in The Tullamore Court Hotel, worth €550.
"There will be many more great prizes added to the list which we will release monthly via our Facebook Page."
Tickets can be bought at anytime online at www.idonate.ie/raffle/TheODSBigRaffle and are priced at €20 each.
People can also come to see the Offaly Down Syndrome Association at The Bridge Centre, Tullamore, on World Down Syndrome Day, Thursday, March 21, where tickets will also be on sale.
The association added that Offaly people should "keep an eye out for us around the county over the next 9 months, you never know were we might pop up!"