New car is top prize in Offaly Down Syndrome Association's Big Raffle

Over the last four decades, Offaly Down Syndrome Association has grown from a small handful of families to a membership of over 60, all being run and managed by volunteers out of their own homes.

In 2024, Offaly Down Syndrome chairperson, Ann Crombie said that "was 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, a place that provides enhanced facilities, a community hub, a dedicated place for specialised programmes and services, and 4ducational opportunities.”

“Our new home should also prioritise accessibility and inclusion, family support services, and advocacy and awareness, whilst also being a symbol of progress. 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. We also help with the funding of home teaching, speech and language therapy, and music therapy for our families, plus we also hold several free social events for our members which includes anything from bowling and teenage discos to day trips and other social events,” Ann added.

But how are they going to raise the funds for such a vital building?

Branch Administrator Robbie Donnelly explained: “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.

“This fundraiser will run from 1st January 2024, and will end on the 22nd December 2024, with winners being announced on 31st December 2024, live from The Tullamore Court Hotel.”

The first prize is a 215 Suzuki Swift 1.2 Mild Hybrid worth €24,000 from Hugo Loonam Motors in Cloghan, Co Offaly, second prize is the 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 €550.00. 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 €20.00 each, or you can come see them at The Bridge Centre Tullamore on World Down Syndrome Day, Thursday, March 21, and purchase yours there.

“Plus keep an eye out for us around the county over the next nine months, you never know were we might pop up,” said Robbie.