Down Syndrome Limerick has appealed to local businesses, schools and the public to support its new 'Brick in the Wall' campaign, which aims to raise funds for its new state of the art support centre and offices in Castletroy.

Michael Beville with 8 day old Jessie O'Grady the oldest and youngest members of Down Syndrome Limerick at the launch. Picture: Keith Wiseman

Benefactors can buy fundraising bricks—available in four different amounts ranging from €5,000 to €500—with all the proceeds going directly to funding the new support centre.

Minister for Defence, Willie O'Dea, and Munster star Paul O'Connell are among local dignitaries supporting the initiative, which was in the Castletroy Park Hotel this Monday.

Carmel Clare O'Connor, Chairperson of Down Syndrome Limerick, explained the benefits of the new premises.

"In order to offer the fullest support mechanisms and a more welcoming environment to all people with Down Syndrome and their families, it really was necessary to build this new state of the art and custom made support centre and offices in Castletroy. We are very fortunate that the majority of the financing for this ambitious project has been provided by funds allocated from both the JP McManus Pro-Am and Government grants," she said.

"However, in order to meet the shortfall for the project, we are calling on the good nature of local people, schools and businesses to support our 'Brick in the Wall' fundraising campaign."

The new support centre will be fully WiFi accessible and will include two speech and language therapy units, a lecture theatre, a resource library, a multimedia centre, a number of meeting rooms and administration offices.

Minister O'Dea said that "the work carried out by the voluntary committee in Down Syndrome Limerick offers a shining example to all of us".

"The vision and foresight to build this new facility should be recognised and I urge everyone to support the 'Brick in the Wall' initiative in whatever way they can," he added.

Depending on the amount raised, supporters of Down Syndrome Limerick will be awarded a platinum, gold, silver or bronze 'brick'.

A platinum brick is awarded for a €5,000 contribution, with a gold brick awarded for €2,000, a silver Brick for €1,000 and a bronze brick for €500.

All those who purchase a Brick will be awarded a certificate of support and will have their name listed on a specially commissioned plaque that will be erected in the new building.

For smaller contributions, Helping Hand Certificates are available at €10 each from committee members and local stores.

Fundraising events of all types are encouraged and corporate donations are welcome. A schools liaison officer is on hand to help local schools in any effort they undertake.

Down Syndrome Limerick is a completely voluntary organisation and has supported people with Down Syndrome and their families and friends for over 30 years. It is based on O'Connell Street and for more information call 061-410266 or see www.downsyndromelimerick.ie.

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