Rise with the sun to mark Darkness into Light day and raise funds for those struggling with mental illness
IT is the highlight of many people’s calendars, not to mention a massive fundraiser for suicide prevention, but with next week’s Darkness into Light event postponed until October, everyone can still donate and join together with a special ‘Sunrise’ event.
Last year, thousands gathered in Drogheda, Ardee and Dunleer for the annual event which raises thousands for Pieta House, and on May 9th, it was expected that over 250,000 people would have come together on every continent to walk together highlighting the fight against suicide and self-harm.
As the walks cannot now take place as planned in May, a Darkness Into Light ‘Sunrise’ appeal is taking place on that day.
This special appeal encourages people to donate what they can to this vital charity and to come together while remaining apart by getting up at 5:30am to watch the sunrise and to show community and solidarity with those impacted by suicide.
Pieta are also asking people to spread the message and offer hope by sharing their sunrise moment using the #DIL2020.
“There is a huge strain on the resources now, and the Darkness into Light is one of the biggest streams of revenue for Pieta House, with €65,000 alone raised in Drogheda last year,” says Cormac Craig, DIL Drogheda chairman. “This is all uncharted waters for us, and the isolation is hitting people in different ways, and everyone is looking for more help, and many are turning to organisations like ours.”
Indeed, the need for Pieta’s lifesaving services is greater than ever, as people find themselves worried, anxious, under strain, financially impacted and in many cases isolated and alone, the effect on mental health is significant. Recent research has also confirmed that 1 in 5 Irish people are experiencing clinically defined levels of depression. Even before COVID-19 the public need for Pieta’s services was on the increase, with calls to Pieta’s helpline up 49% year on year while text messages to Pieta had increased by 46%.
“Pieta ran a very successful concert online last week, and we will be holding a number of social media initiatives, so watch this space,” says Cormac. “Hopefully by October 3rd, we can all get out and take part in the event, but for now, we’re asking everyone to get up, put on your yellow t-shirt and greet the sunrise, and post a photo @ElectricIreland #DIL2020 #DILSunriseAppeal and make a donation. These are tough times, but we’re are all in this together.”
Just €20 can fund two life-saving calls to those who are in crisis. Please donate now and allow Pieta to support those in suicidal distress and stand in collective solidarity with all those impacted by suicide at sun rise on May 9th.
Donate at www.darknessintolight.ie.