Nestlé’s employees in Ireland have committed to raise €70,000 for Down Syndrome Ireland (DSI) in a new two year staff Charity of the Year partnership announced today. 

The partnership will involve over 700 employees from Nestlé Ireland, Citywest and Nestlé's Wyeth Nutrition infant formula plant in Askeaton, Co. Limerick raising funds to benefit the services and supports provided by DSI for families with Down syndrome. 

DSI supports over 3,500 members across Ireland through its specialist services in healthcare, education, early development, speech and language therapy and independence.
  
These funds will go towards a new Multi-Sensory and Family Room in Down Syndrome Ireland’s national support office in Ballymount, Dublin. This will provide a drop-in respite space available for family members and an area to relax when visiting Dublin for hospital appointments. The funds will also contribute to the services such as the Home Teacher Programme, Speech & Language Therapy and New Parent Support in the Limerick branch. 
 
Speaking today, President of Down Syndrome Ireland, Mary Doherty said, "This partnership will make a significant contribution to helping us to maintain our essential services. Many thanks to Nestlé and to all their staff for committing to raise these much needed funds for Down Syndrome Ireland."
 
Country Manager at Nestlé Ireland, Andrew Shaw added, "Our staff voted Down Syndrome Ireland as their staff charity of the year due to the essential support services it provides to enhance the lives of people with Down syndrome. We are proud to support the essential work carried out by this charity to improve and enrich the lives of its members across Ireland."

Source: www.businessworld.ie