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NEXT Sunday Down Syndrome Ireland (DSI) is inviting households, neighbours and communities to join them for Ireland’s biggest street dance and Dance4DSI to help raise vital funds to continue and improve upon their growing online services to support children and adults with Down syndrome and their families throughout Ireland.
The COVID-19 crisis has adversely affected all face to face services provided by DSI and as a result, the way in which these services are provided has had to change dramatically.
Dance4DSI will take place at 3pm on June 21. The number 21 also carries a special meaning as Down syndrome occurs when there is one extra copy of chromosome 21 in cells in the body.
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DSI are encouraging everyone to get involved by donating what they can through www.downsyndrome.ie. Then share photos or video on social media of their family and neighbours dancing in the street to their favourite summer song, using the hashtag #Dance4DSI.
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the majority of DSI’s regular fundraising activities have been unable to go ahead and funds are urgently needed in order to provide vital online support services in areas including speech and language and early development.
When COVID-19 hit, DSI had to adapt quickly to ensure that their members receive the vital support they need. Olive Buckeridge, Early Years Specialist with Down Syndrome Ireland has now been providing essential services through Zoom to families across the country.
Deirdre Saul, Interim CEO of Down Syndrome Ireland is urging the public to come together while still respecting and adhering to social distancing guidelines. “We are extremely grateful for the fantastic support we have received from the public in recent months and that support really does make a difference to the lives of so many children and adults with Down syndrome, and of course their families, in Ireland. I hope as many people, neighbours and communities as possible can join us for Dance4DSI on Sunday 21st June and we’re looking forward to seeing lots of videos and photos shared across social media.”
Deirdre stressed, “We urge everyone to remember social distancing at all times but ultimately this is about having some fun in your community.”
For further information about Dance4DSI and the work of Down Syndrome Ireland please visit downsyndrome.ie and view the clip below…
