Be a Rebel and sign up for Focus Ireland Sleep Out
PEOPLE from across Cork have been urged to brave the elements for one night in a bid to highlight the issue of homelessness and raise the vital funding needed to help combat the issue.
Homelessness charity Focus Ireland has once gain teamed up with Cork City for the 12hour ‘Big Rebel Sleep Out’, which will take place at the clubs training ground in Bishopstown from 8pm on Saturday, April 13.
Ger Spillane, regional manager with Focus Ireland, urged people to sign up for the event and help make a real and lasting difference to the lives of individuals and families who are homeless or at risk of losing their homes.
He said the homeless crisis was getting more acute, with as many as 10,000 people in Ireland, including almost 350 adults in Cork alone, having no home or at risk of losing theirs.
“Focus Ireland is working every day here in Cork to prevent families becoming homeless while also helping families who are homeless to find a place to call home. This is the way we will make long-term progress, but we need help to raise funds for our work,” said Mr Spillane.
“We are calling on people to sign up for the sleep out and play their part in helping make a difference. Focus Ireland needs your support,” he added.
Peter Wycherly, Cork City FC general manager, said they were delighted to once again be supporting the event.
“The rebels here in Cork can lead the challenge to help combat homelessness, and we urge the people of the city and county – its men, women and children – to participate in this most worthy event,” he said.
Dick White, the Cork area marketing and fundraising executive with Focus Ireland, outlined how important fundraisers such as the Rebel Sleep Out were to their work, pointing out that 89c in every €1 received by them is spent on their services.
“We have to raise 50 per cent of our annual budget through donations and events like this to ensure we can support more than 15,500 people every year around Ireland,” said Mr White.
“It is clear that without this type of support we would be unable to deliver our services here in Cork.
“That is why your support and participation in Big Rebel Sleep Out is vital.
“Each person who signs up will be playing their own vital part in helping work towards ending homelessness in Cork,” he added.
For more information and to register for the Big Rebel Sleep Out, visit www.focusireland.ie.
Participants will receive support materials and advice to help with fundraising in the lead-up to the event and on the night.