Dedicated volunteer honoured by branch
Down Syndrome Carlow honoured Marie Sheppard, pictured with her husband John Jnr, her son Ryan and daughters Lauren and Holly
IN THE lead-up to World Down Syndrome Day on 21 March, Down Syndrome Ireland’s Carlow branch is shining a spotlight on the remarkable commitment of volunteer Marie Sheppard, who has served as branch secretary and facilitator for over seven years.
Marie’s dedication has been pivotal in organising events such as the annual walk, festive Christmas party and in ensuring essential occupational and speech therapies are accessible to members and their families.
According to Down Syndrome Ireland’s Carlow branch, the volunteer “has been a staunch advocate for member welfare, tirelessly working to provide resources, support and a listening ear to those who seek assistance. Her unwavering commitment and selfless dedication have made a profound difference in the lives of many branch members in Carlow”.
Marie, who began volunteering with the branch in 2018 and stepped down last July, expressed surprise and delight at the recognition: “I’m absolutely thrilled. Gosh! There are a lot of people that help out, I’m not the only one. But yes, I was delighted.”
She attributes her involvement to her daughter Lauren, born with Down Syndrome in 2015.
“At the end of the day, I went into the role for Lauren – to be more involved in what she was going to need and for her to make friends within the Down Syndrome community in Carlow,” she said.
While much of her time has been spent advocating for consistent funding – particularly for speech and language therapy – the former secretary also pointed out the more uplifting aspects of the branch’s work.
On Sunday 23 March, to mark World Down Syndrome Day, the Carlow branch is hosting a walk at Rathwood starting at 11am: “We want families to come together. There’s a 1km walk and a 5km one … and we’ll have a raffle with lots of prizes on the day.”
She also highlighted Down Syndrome Ireland’s employment programme, which has found success in Carlow: “It’s proper employment, it’s not just for optics. But if we could get more employers on board, that would be amazing.”
World Down Syndrome Day has been officially observed by the United Nations since 2012, celebrating the contributions of individuals with Down Syndrome around the globe.
This year, the Carlow branch is encouraging the community to wear vibrant socks on 21 March as part of Down Syndrome Ireland’s annual ‘Lots of Socks’ fundraiser. People can find downloadable resources on the organisation’s website for their own ‘Lots of Socks’ events, whether at schools, workplaces or in the community.
‘Schools, communities, and workplaces are encouraged to host their own events, wearing their most colourful socks while raising awareness and vital funds,’ it says on the Down Syndrome Ireland website.
‘All you have to do is gather friends, family, classmates or colleagues, pop on some colourful socks and raise awareness and funds for Down Syndrome Ireland.’
In Marie’s words, the heart of World Down Syndrome Day is simple yet profound: “It’s important to celebrate persons with Down Syndrome. They’re valuable members of the community and of society and they’re well capable of going through education, getting college places, getting jobs.”
