The rate of homelessness in Ireland is increasing at an alarming rate with 10,305 people currently without a home.
In response, Bord Gáis Energy has announced an extension of its partnership with homeless charity, Focus Ireland to sponsor its annual fundraising initiative – Shine A Light Night.
Shine A Light Night challenges business leaders across Ireland to sleep out for one night and in doing so raise vital funds to help alleviate homelessness.
The sponsorship is in addition to the energy company’s ongoing partnership with the charity which since 2015 has seen Bord Gáis Energy commit more than €2.4m to help combat family homelessness.
There are 1,733 families homeless in Ireland today and this number is growing.
On Friday October 18, the 8th annual Shine A Light Night will see business leaders sleep-out at the Law Society of Ireland, Blackhall Place, Dublin and at Cork’s historic Spike Island. Businesses around Ireland can also sign up to support the initiative by pledging to fundraise and sleep out at their workplace.
Catherine O’Kelly, Managing Director, Bord Gáis Energy said, "The team and I in Bord Gáis Energy are committed to supporting Focus Ireland in the crucial work it does to address the causes of homelessness and increase support for those who are at risk of losing their home."
A total of €4 million has been raised through Shine A Light Night since 2012 to help fund Focus Ireland's work challenging homelessness and changing lives. These funds helped the charity to support a record number of 15,500 people last year who were either homeless or at risk of losing their home.
Pat Dennigan, CEO Focus Ireland said, "We also work extensively across the area of prevention to make sure many other families and individuals never become homeless in the first place."
