On Friday 17 October, The Very Reverend Dermot Dunne, Dean of Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin, will be leaving the comfort of his own home, for one night to ‘sleep rough’ in the Iveagh Gardens and ‘Shine a Light’ on homelessness in Ireland. Whilst you are tucked up in bed, he will be sleeping on cardboard, battling Ireland’s bitter cold winter with just a sleeping bag and a cup of soup.
The Dean thinks it is unacceptable that over 5,000 people are homeless in Ireland today and that one in seven is a child. He has signed up for ‘Shine a Light Night’ so that he can play his part in helping Focus Ireland provide vital prevention services which help change people’s lives.
Focus Ireland aim to break the cycle of homelessness by giving people access to information, housing, childcare and a range of education services throughout Dublin, Cork, Kilkenny, Limerick, Sligo, Waterford, Clare and Wexford.
The Dean now needs your help. You can help prevent homelessness in Ireland today by sponsoring him to take part in the sleep out. He has committed to raise €5,000 by 17th October so please demonstrate your solidarity by sponsoring him today.
Dean Dunne stated: “I am delighted to be part of such a worthwhile cause. Focus Ireland is a very important charity and do such wonderful work in the homeless sector. Your support will not only raise critical funds, it brings us all together to help people who are homeless or at risk. With your help, we can help Focus Ireland continue to provide services to those most in need and enable them to move to a place they can call home.”
To sponsor the Dean, please visit http://goo.gl/ZeT6Dl or send a cheque to Christ Church Cathedral, Christ Church place, Dublin 8, made payable to ‘Focus Ireland.’ Please give as generously as you can. Thank you!
Christ Church Cathedral Dublin
Christ Church Cathedral has been at the centre of Dublin life for nearly 1000 years. Situated in the spiritual heart of Dublin, Christ Church Cathedral, a charity itself, is one of Ireland’s most iconic gothic buildings, a leading visitor attraction and an established concert venue. Renowned for its breath-taking beauty, magnificent architecture and stunning floor tiles, Christ Church is also home to the famous 12th century Crypt, one of the largest in Britain and Ireland.