Lions club members to sleep-out to help the homeless

Brave members of Mitchelstown Lions Club are set to sleep out to raise funds for the homeless. The event on October 16 will see Dan Furey and his colleagues sleeping out overnight as part of the Focus Ireland Shine a Light Night.

Some members of the lions club are taking part in this year’s fundraiser by giving one night sleeping out to help raise much needed funds for vital homeless services in Ireland.

“Support for Shine A Light Night is more important this year than ever before due to the increase in demand for Focus Ireland's services as a result of the current pandemic we are all experiencing,” said Dan.

“The Covid-19 pandemic has been a huge challenge for all of us, both mentally and physically and has been particularly challenging for many men, women and children who are homeless or facing homelessness.

“We in Mitchelstown Lions Club are asking individuals to join us and show their support for Shine A Light Night by hosting a virtual sleepout in the safety of their own homes, gardens or private safe spaces,” he added.

The group said that all support by the community is greatly appreciated, whether it be a monetary donation or raising awareness of the well-deserving charity.

A donations page has been set up and the link is available on the Mitchelstown Lions Club Facebook page or you can contact Dan at 0876442395 for further information.

Mr Furey added: “It is a very good cause, Covid19 has been particularly difficult for the homeless. The fact is also that everything is virtual and it is important to fundraise for the homeless and to help them.

“It is something I have never done before and a few lads came on it - we can get a group of people to do it from their homes virtually and shine a light on the problem of homeless.”