The Milk Round

Following the success of the inaugural "Tedfest" hosted in 2007 on Inis Mór, Co. Galway, the proposed 2008 event has adopted a significant novel and charity feature in the run up to the "Tedfest 08" festival.

In a brave "40 Days Campaign" and in a true "That's mad, Ted" vain, the promoters, supported by Paddy Power have set a challenge to push the famous "Milk Float", as featured in the "Father Ted" TV series, around the four provinces of Ireland. Proceeds from this challenge shall go to both Down Syndrome Ireland and the Down Syndrome Association of Northern Ireland.

The Corporate Team Challenge

We are seeking 40 Corporate Teams, (8 member teams), to take on one daily route, (milk round). In accepting the challenge your team will be assisting the nationwide awareness campaign and this fundraising initiative for both organisations. This "once-off" event will never be repeated.

The 40 days will commence in Galway leaving on Sunday 20th January 2008 and returning on Friday 28th February 2008. The 28th of February marks the 10th anniversary of Dermot Morgan's untimely passing. "Tedfest 08", will commence the following day, February 29th on Inis Mor. Both events will mark anniversary celebrations of the life and work of the legendary Dermot Morgan.

The Commitment

What do we need from you and your organisation? At the moment it is really not about donations or how much . . . it is about sharing the challenge with us, with your staff, your colleagues, and your clients. It is about understanding the challenge of the day while understanding the daily challenges of persons with Down syndrome. Your participation will contribute to a larger nationwide event that will help raise awareness for people with Down syndrome in Ireland in addition seeking your support in raising funds for our organisations. This is "Corporate Social Responsibility" in motion.

All we need from you and your organisation is that extra special commitment!

Our Daily Ambassadors

Each day the milk float journey will be captained by a local patron. Every leg will be represented by a person with Down syndrome and they will "share the journey" with the team. In essence each participating team become the champions representing the patron's daily challenges. This is a Corporate Team challenge, a challenge to build a winning team and to participate in a winning event while supporting people with Down syndrome across Ireland.
Click here to read the profile of Sheera Delaney of the Ted40 Ambassadors.

The Extended Team

Central to your organisation's participation is obviously your nominated team of pushers for your day. Importantly in meeting the challenge your extended corporate team are key to your success. Corporate Team pushers will do the physical stuff, the extended team will contribute to the awareness campaign and indeed fundraising activity. Don't be shy about your involvement and be proud of the contribution you can make. Involve your staff your regional offices and your clients in creative programs of fundraising and proactive ways of celebrating the difference that can be made to persons with Down syndrome all across Ireland.

The Next Steps

* Decide that this is the event and challenge your organisation was waiting for
* Has the organisation the talents to build a winning team
* Commit to "share the journey" with us at Down Syndrome Ireland
* Commit to participation in the nationwide awareness campaign
* Develop and deliver on your fundraising strategy over the campaign months
* Create awareness for the campaign amongst your staff, colleagues, clients

Become Involved

To get involved contact Padraic Delaney, Down Syndrome Ireland, 086 2203159 or e-mail padraic@downsyndrome.ie