Three families become homeless every day in Ireland, and often must stay in very unsuitable emergency accommodation, such as hotel rooms.
Figures released last month from the Department of Housing revealed over 10,000 people are homeless in Ireland for the sixth month in a row.
With these shocking stats in mind, homeless charity Focus Ireland is hoping Dubliners will support its annual fundraising initiative – Shine A Light Night.
Now in its eight year, Shine A Light Night challenges business leaders across Ireland to sleep out for one night, to raise funds to help alleviate homelessness.
On Friday, October 18th, Shine A Light Night will see business leaders sleep out at the Law Society of Ireland, Blackhall Place, Dublin and at Cork’s historic Spike Island.
Businesses around Ireland can also sign up to support the initiative by pledging to fundraise and sleep out at their workplace.
Focus Ireland hopes the business community can send a message of solidarity to people experiencing homelessness in Ireland, and give one night to change a lifetime, by sleeping-out and raising funds.
To take part in Shine a Light Night 2019, Focus Ireland ask you to raise or donate €5000 and sleep-out for one night.
This is just a target however, and in order to help you reach your fundraising targe, Focus Ireland will create a fully personalised fundraising kit containing everything you need to make your fundraising as easy and as fun as possible.
This year’s Shine a Light is once again sponsored by Bord Gais, and is in addition to the energy company’s ongoing partnership with the charity, which since 2015 has seen Bord Gais Energy commit more than €2.4 million to fight homelessness.
Speaking at the launch of Shine A Light Night, Catherine O’Kelly, managing director of Bord Gais Energy, said: “The current homeless crisis in towns and communities across Ireland is worse than ever.
“It is heartbreaking that 3,821 children in Ireland today have no home.
“The team and I in Bord Gais Energy are committed to supporting Focus Ireland in the crucial work it does to address the causes of homelessness, and increase support for those who are at risk of losing their home.”
A total of €4 million has been raised through Shine A Light Night since 2012 to help fund Focus Ireland’s work.
