Fantastic family holiday among the prizes to be won in DSI fundraiser

One of Ireland’s best known country music singers, Cliona Hagan, has launched Down Syndrome Ireland’s national raffle to raise essential funds for the charity and its network of 25 branches throughout Ireland.

The raffle runs until November 18, with the draw taking place a week later on November 25.

Down Syndrome Ireland hopes to raise necessary funds to support the Down syndrome community at both local and national levels with speech and language therapies, parent support groups, adult education courses and multiple social opportunities. Many of these supports are co-ordinated by Down Syndrome Ireland’s branch network which operates almost exclusively on a voluntary basis.

Cliona, who has an uncle with Down Syndrome, said: “My Uncle Paul means the world to me and my family. I have known him all my life and the challenges he faces. I am delighted and honoured to launch this year’s national raffle to help raise much-needed funds for Down Syndrome Ireland. It all starts with the generosity of the public. Without you, these key services wouldn’t be available, so make sure to buy your tickets!”

Following on the success of last year’s raffle, Barry Sheridan, CEO of Down Syndrome Ireland, said: “Supporting our national raffle will help raise vital funds so that we can continue to provide children and adults with Down Syndrome the resources they need as they continue to grow and develop and get the best support possible throughout their lives.

“We understand that the cost of living crisis that many people face, so we are asking people to do what they can to help.’’

Tickets start at €5 and can be purchased online via www.downsyndrome.ie. Prizes on offer include the following: 1st prize – Disneyland Paris family holiday; 2nd prize – Cashel Palace Hotel two-night stay; 3rd prize – lunch for four at Patrick Guilbaud Restaurant; 4th prize – €500 Dunnes Stores gift card; 5th prize – two tickets to Bruce Springsteen at the RDS on May 5, 2023.