Preparations for Mitchelstown DiL in full swing
- 4.15AM THIS SATURDAY, MAY 6TH MITCHELSTOWN LEISURE CENTRE -
Mitchelstown’s Darkness into Light takes place this Saturday, alongside 200 events being organised and held up and down the country. Hopeful for a turnout as enthusiastic as previous years, organisers would llike to hear from people interested in helping out with stewarding and catering. Anyone interested should please contact Michelle on 0877602572.
There will be a registration desk on the morning at Mitchelstown Leisure Centre, where people can register and donate from 3.30am. A limited number of t-shirts will be available, so get there early!
The annual fundraising event organised by Pieta, and supported by Electric Ireland, is taking place on Saturday morning in 23 locations across Cork city and county. More than 100,000 people are expected to come together with the annual walk, giving communities the chance to come together and to bring hope to people who have been impacted by suicide. Launched by the local committees, organisers are welcoming everyone to join the event and raise vital funds for Pieta’s lifesaving services.
Suicide continues to be a real problem in Ireland and was the leading cause of death in young men aged under 25 in the country in 2019. Darkness into Light helps raise essential funds and enables Pieta to continue providing free of charge suicide prevention, intervention and bereavement support to people of all ages across Ireland.
In Munster in 2022 alone, Pieta delivered over 14,000 hours of free, one-to-one therapy, and helped almost 2,000 clients. Over 30% of clients presenting to Pieta in 2022 in Munster were aged between 18-35 years and a further 25% of clients in the same year were under 18 years.
Stephanie Manahan, CEO, Pieta commented: “Over 80% of Pieta’s annual funds are raised every year from public donations and by people taking part and supporting events like Darkness into Light. By signing up and taking part, every single person helps to support us continue to provide the services like the 24/7 crisis helpline which receives up to 2,000 calls and texts each week.
“Everyone is invited to sign up at www.darknessintolight.ie to make a valuable contribution. Electric Ireland have worked in partnership with us for the last ten years to build Darkness into Light and we are delighted that they have agreed to continue their sponsorship for another three years up until 2025.’’
Whether it’s taking part at an event in your community, with family, friends and colleagues or taking on a challenge by walking, running, jogging, or swimming and fundraising for Pieta, there are endless ways to take part in the most important sunrise of the year. Sign up and take part at darknessintolight.ie.