Thieves steal money during fundraiser

A heartless thief who struck at a fundraiser in Kells has stolen vital funds from local children with Down's Syndrome. The Louth-Meath branch of Down's Syndrome Ireland has been devastated by the theft of the funding in the run-up to Christmas, saying it cannot believe that someone would sink so low. "That somebody would steal from children with Down's Syndrome defies belief. This is a major blow to our organisation," said Alva Cullen, one of the organisers of the 'Glam Up For Downs' event which took place in the Headfort Arms Hotel, Kells, and which was a fundraiser for the charity. The event raised €1,570 to help finance the branch's early intervention home teacher programme in Meath and Louth. However, an additional €400 to €600, which was raised on the night, was stolen by the cold-hearted thieves. Ms Cullen, who organised the event with Sarah Butcher, said they have been deeply upset by the theft. "I am particularly upset as I organised this event to help fund the home teacher service which my four year-old daughter uses. This is a service solely funded by the Louth-Meath branch and is key to Sorcha's development," she said. The Glam Up For Downs Night was planned as "the ultimate girls' night out" with an array of beauty treatments coupled with unique entertainment. All the funds raised on the night were for the Louth-Meath branch of Down's Syndrome Ireland. Ms Cullen explained that the €1,570 raised is safe and will be put to good use by the orgnisation. However, she was handed a collection bucket towards the end of the night containing an additional estimated €400 to €600. "I was distracted and put it down on the bar for a second, but as soon as I went to lift it again, it had been moved a few feet down the bar and was empty," she said. She isn't certain if the person who distracted her was part of a plot to carry out the theft, or if the person who stole the money just took the opportunity to take it when they got the chance. "It was extremely heartless and is a big blow to our organisation," she added. "We provide a home teacher service for children with Down's Syndrome. It is provided by the Louth-Meath branch and we don't receive funding from anyone. We rely totally on fundraisers such as this," she said. The branch is assisting local gardai but, as there was nothing on CCTV images, they have nothing to go on. She is appealing to anyone who saw anything or anybody suspicious on the night to contact the gardai in Kells. She also urged the culprits to do the right thing and return the money. "This money means so much to the children and their families. You can return it by sending it anonymously to the Headfort Arms," added Ms Cullen. There are currently 64 pre-school children between the ages of one to six years enrolled on the home school programme, which is provided free of charge to members. The local branch was the first branch outside Dublin to set up such a programme for their children. It consists of early intervention teachers visiting the home of the child with Down's Syndrome for 90 to 120 minutes every fortnight throughout the school year. The teacher works with the parents and child within the family structure, providing a wealth of information and knowledge that ultimately seeks to enable the child to reach his or her full potential. This early intervention can make a huge difference in enabling children to live as fulfilling a life as possible. "It is a great help to the children and is a wonderful resource for parents. Anything I need to know, I can turn to our home teacher for support," Ms Cullen said. This programme is the branch's biggest expenditure and the cost of the programme in the coming year is estimated at €80,000.