Down Syndrome Cork Field of Dreams

The English Market supporting Down Syndrome Cork Field Of Dreams Christmas 2019

During Christmas 2019 the English Market supported Down syndrome, Cork Field of Dreams. 

Field of Dreams is a market garden for the cultivation of fruit, vegetables and farm produce. This project provides education, training and rewarding work opportunities for adults with Down Syndrome in a safe, secure and inspirational environment.

The field of dreams runs courses for students who have finished school with the aim of getting them paid employment.

In the run up to Christmas students were paired and worked alongside the traders and staff in various stalls in the English Market where they gained valuable experience.

For the month of December the Market displayed pictures throughout of past and present students at work in the field and of students at work in their present employment having graduated from this wonderful programme.

Pop up stands were visible and explained to customers what Down Syndrome Cork Field of Dreams is all about. Collection boxes were displayed by stalls so that customers could contribute if they wished to this so well deserving charity.

 The Market wants to continue to work with Down Syndrome Cork Field of Dreams with the goal of selling the produce they grow in the English Market.

Órla Lannin, English Market Manager commented on how amazing the students were: “They arrived full of smiles, eager to start their job, worked behind the stalls and nothing phased them, they were all like a duck to water in their various roles. They were absolutely brilliant and we didn’t want them to leave!”

The collaboration between the English Market and Down Syndrome Cork Field of Dreams featured on a recent episode of RTE's 'Nationwide' which can be viewed here.