The iNua Collection selected Down Syndrome Ireland as its charity partner in 2019, and has raised over €90,000 for the charity to date.
Details
At an event in Dublin One, the iNua Collection presented the fundraising cheque to the DSI team, represented by Gerard O'Carroll, DSI president, and Aoife Gaffney, head of employment at DSI. Sean O'Driscoll, CEO of the iNua Collection, promised the group's commitment to continuing the €5 per €100 contribution to DSI for all vouchers sold across its hotels, as well as introducing the "Clean the Planet, Not my Room" campaign, where a €1 per room donation is made to DSI on behalf of guests.
O'Driscoll also recognised the support of Gaffney and the team at DSI in being critical in the success of the National Employment Programme in iNua's hotels.
Statements
O'Driscoll said, "With community as one of our core values here at The iNua Collection, we are delighted to continue supporting this partnership, using our group resources and expertise to make a positive impact and engaging both guests and teams in this process. The practical supports offered by Down Syndrome Ireland are invaluable, and their work in supporting adult education and independence enhances the lives of thousands of children and adults with Down Syndrome across the country. Our fundraising efforts are one crucial way for us to support DSI and the important work they do. These efforts allow us to engage with our guests and colleagues in a meaningful way, building a sense of community and a sense of social responsibility. We are privileged to be part of this journey with DSI."
Deirdre Buckley, The iNua Collection director of people & culture, noted, "As a team at iNUA, we unilaterally agreed on partnering with DSI as an excellent organisation, but the unexpected win for us all was our introduction to the DSI National Employment Programme to bring sustainable employment to members as part of The iNua Collection partnership. Aoife's passion for her members engaged our P&C and hotel leadership teams right from the start. We have worked closely with her to further enhance and develop opportunities of partnering on members' work placements. Graduates from the DSI employment programme now come to us with skills that enable work readiness and so much more, so we have the opportunity to work alongside these graduates who have become valuable permanent colleagues.”
Gaffney said, "Our valued partnership over the years with The iNUA Collection has been a huge success for us. It has resulted in many opportunities for our adult members with Down Syndrome nationwide, with iNUA providing 15 paid jobs to our members to date. The focus is not just on providing jobs though, but also thinking about progression. Only last year, the iNUA Collection developed an innovative Workbook that has made learning more accessible for colleagues with Down Syndrome. We are excited to continue our partnership for many more years to come and have exciting plans in the pipeline. We appreciate every bit of work and support from the fantastic teams across the iNua Collection. They are making a long-lasting and valuable impact on the lives of adults with Down Syndrome and their families in Ireland."
O'Carroll said, "The iNua Collection's tagline, #passsionateaboutpeople, is demonstrated through this partnership and makes a difference to everyone's lives, their Down Syndrome colleagues, the teams they work alongside and the wider community of guests and visitors in the hotels."
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