Limerick Community launches it first Community Shine A Light Sleep-Out against Homelessness for Focus Ireland

Limerick Community launches it first Community organised Shine A Light Sleep-Out against Homelessness for Focus Ireland
 
Limerick Shine A Light Committee 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 14,000 people in Ireland which included 442 adults in Limerick and 191 children in the Mid-west region (Clare and Limerick). 
 
Focus Ireland, proudly supported by Bord Gáis Energy, 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. 
 
Senator Paul Gavan officially launched the Limerick event in The Crescent Shopping Centre yesterday. “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 14,429 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 11 October, members 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 independent councillor Elisa O’Donovan. 
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." 
 
“We are incredibly proud to host Limericks first Community Sleep Out for Shine A Light.” said Eimear Dwan, Marketing Manager The Crescent Shopping Centre. 
 
“We’re committed to supporting Focus Ireland who provide vital resources and assistance to those in need. The sleep out is a powerful opportunity to raise awareness and contribute to the fight against homelessness. We are excited to participate and encourage others to join us in supporting this important cause” said Brian O' Leary, General Manager in the Crescent Shopping Centre. 
For those interested in joining Team Limerick Shine A Light, they can do so by singing up to Shine A Light on Focus Ireland’s website and joining the Limerick community team page. 
 
Caption for photo: Eimear Dwan, Crescent Shopping Centre, Karen Sugrue ,Cllr Ursuala Gavan, Senator Paul Gavan, Mary Richardson, Alec Morrissey, Viviane Cavalcanti and Cllr Shane Hickey  O'Mara