As a result of the Covid-19 impact on communities across Ireland, people experiencing homelessness are more vulnerable than ever before. Right now, 8728 people are currently without a home in Ireland, and 2650 are children.
That’s why EY’s Lisa Kealy, Wealth & Asset Management Leader and Chair of Irish Funds, and Yvonne Connolly, CEO of Carne (and Council member and previous chair of Irish Funds), will once again be participating in Focus Ireland’s Shine A Light Business Leaders’ sleepout. The event, which aims to raise funds for Focus Ireland in its fight against homelessness, will take place virtually this year on October 16.
Last year, the initial fundraising target set by Lisa and Yvonne was €10,000 but thanks to the overwhelming support they received from the Irish funds’ community, the final tally was €37,234.76. This year they have set themselves the target of €40,000, with the help of an expanded team including past Irish Funds’ Chairs Tara Doyle, Alan O’Sullivan and Brian Forrester, Irish Funds Council member Ronnie Griffin, and Irish Funds CEO Pat Lardner. Help them achieve this target here.
The overall fundraising goal for Shine A Light Night this year is €1.3 million which will 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.
Focus Ireland is calling on business leaders and companies to sign up and support the initiative by pledging to fundraise, take part in events or organise a simulated sleepout in their own homes. Since the start of the Covid-19 public health emergency, the front-line staff at Focus Ireland have seen a 40% increase in demand for their services and have moved 80 families with 150 children out of homelessness.
Donate to the Irish Funds team here and find out how you can get involved on the Focus Ireland Shine A Light Night on their website. Will you give one night to change a lifetime?
