Limerick community launches Shine A Light sleep out against homelessness for Focus Ireland
On October 9, participants of Limerick Shine A Light will be trading their comfortable beds for sleeping bags, spending the night outdoors in solidarity with those experiencing homelessness
LIMERICK Shine A Light Committee has officially launched its event and participation in the upcoming Shine A Light sleep out for Focus Ireland.
The annual Shine A Light sleep out brings awareness to the challenges of homelessness, which is a reality faced by more than 17,500 people in Ireland which included 684 adults in Limerick and 394 children in the Mid-west region (Clare and Limerick).
Focus Ireland, proudly supported by Sisk, are encouraging businesses, schools, and communities to connect on a personal level with the issue of homelessness by taking part in a nationwide sleep out in an effort to raise awareness, and much needed funds, for thousands of individuals, children, and families without a home.
Cllr Catherine Slattery officially launched the Limerick event in the Crescent Shopping Centre on Sunday.
“The Limerick Shine A Light event is a testament to the strength and compassion of our community. Homelessness is a crisis that affects too many people, and through this sleep -out, we can make a real difference. I encourage everyone in Limerick to get involved, fundraise, and show their support."
This one-night event aims to raise awareness, and much needed funds, to support over 17,500 people currently experiencing homelessness across the country. Focus Ireland annually delivers more than 100 services across the country supporting over 18,000 people experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness.
Demand for the charity’s services is at an all-time high and funding support is needed now more than ever. Record numbers of children are now experiencing homelessness and do not have a safe place to call home.
On Friday, October 9, participants of Limerick Shine A Light will be trading their comfortable beds for sleeping bags, spending the night outdoors in solidarity with those experiencing homelessness.
The sleep out will take place in the Crescent Shopping Centre carpark in Limerick city, starting at 8pm.
Local members of business, fundraising and politics have formed a committee in collaboration with Focus Ireland to oversee the organisation of the sleep out.
Alec Morrissey, Media Planner with the Limerick Post, is chairing the committee alongside other members that include local community individuals, like Scout Leader Paul Butler. The committee have set a fundraising goal of €10,000 which they hope to exceed.
Mr Morrissey said: "This event is a powerful way for our community to connect with the issue of homelessness on a personal level. By sleeping out, we hope to inspire greater understanding and generosity towards the thousands of people across Ireland who face the daily struggle of not having a place to call home."
For those interested in joining Team Limerick Shine A Light, they can do so by signing up to Shine A Light on shinealight.focusireland.ie and joining the Limerick community team page.