Taking to streets to help homeless
ANNUAL SLEEPOUT RAISES THOUSANDS FOR HOMELESS AID CAUSE
FOR over a decade, members of the Drogheda Homeless Aid, volunteers, community leaders, teachers, workers, clergy, all facets of Drogheda’s day to day life, have come together to spend a night on the streets.
And the streets of Drogheda - like any town or city in this country - can be a hard place to find peace on nights like this.
The annual sleep out on Saturday always brings out the best in the local community and this was no different. Up to 20 people took part - in cold and wet conditions - raising their own sponsorship and then bringing in thousands from the collection.
‘ There was a great reaction’, Maureen Ward from the centre stated.
Those taking part said they took on the challenge for different reasons.
Michael Burke from Nature’s Best said it was a great cause to’get involved in and people would be in a better position after it.
Three members of the St Joseph’s Secondary School staff, Carol, Cathy and Kate, were also dressed for the occasion, feeling it was important to let the boys in the school know how important it is to be part of such community involvement.
They were joined by French woman Berrine. A student, she was happy to become involved in the event, impressed with the attitude towards homelessness in Drogheda.
Others, like Robert Murray from the chamber, Fr Barry from St Peter’s, former Louth keeper Barry Murtagh, teacher Arlene Sherry, Siobhan Finnerty, and Ciara Donnelly were also proud to be part of the night.
As well as providing a centre and supplying thousands of meals each year, the Homeless Aid also has eight houses for families and homeless men.
‘We have to thank everyone for their support. They know we are a local charity and that’s important’, Maureen added.