Business executives and members of the public are being urged to take part in this year’s Shine A Light Night fundraiser by sleeping out for one night to help tackle homelessness.
The initiative, which takes place on October 16, encourages people to consider the initiative and sleep out in their gardens or homes, to raise vital funds to help alleviate homelessness.
Companies around Ireland can sign up to support the initiative by pledging to fundraise and sleep out at their workplace.
Focus Ireland and Bord Gáis Energy are aiming to raise €1.3 million to support people experiencing homelessness across the country. Since the event began in 2015, Shine A Light Night has raised over €5.3m for people experiencing homelessness in Ireland. In 2019, the support of Bord Gáis Energy as sponsors enabled Focus Ireland to help over 14,200 people.
In Association with
Pat Dennigan, CEO Focus Ireland, said: “Shine a Light Night is our most important fundraising initiative each year and we have always been strongly supported by the business community in Ireland – we are truly grateful for their involvement and support in driving funds to ensure our vital services can continue to help those who are homeless across Ireland.
“As a result of Covid-19 and arising government restrictions, we have made the unfortunate but necessary decision to cancel our schedule of outdoor corporate sleepouts across the country. Instead, we hope that Ireland’s business leaders and companies will continue to show their support for Shine a Light Night and take part ‘virtually’ by sleeping out safely in their own homes, gardens, or private safe spaces.
“Covid-19 is also having an impact on the demand for our services which has increased in recent months. Hitting our fundraising goal of €1.3 million will be more important this year than ever if we are to continue to support those experiencing homelessness in communities nationwide.”
Dave Kirwan, managing director of Bord Gáis Energy, added: “Ireland has faced many challenges in the past six months, with those without homes particularly vulnerable. As we all know, having a safe, warm home is something everyone should be able to enjoy; along with the safety and security this affords. We’re proud of our partnership with Focus Ireland and are committed to supporting its great work in addressing the issue of homelessness and helping those at risk of losing their home.
"We’re delighted to yet again support the Shine a Light Night sleep out and want to make this year’s event bigger than ever. The team and I in Bord Gáis Energy will be participating this year and we are asking businesses to join us in giving just one night to sleep out in solidarity with Ireland’s homeless community.”
Further details at www.focusireland.ie/shinealight.
Photo: Dave Kirwan (left) and Pat Dennigan. (Pic: Conor McCabe)
