Property

Surveyors supporting Shine a Light Night fundraiser for homeless services

People will sleep outside their homes, businesses and schools to raise money for Focus Ireland

‘The aim of this special night is to raise vital funds to provide support to 8,212 people – including 2,129 children – who are currently experiencing homelessness,’ says Focus Ireland

Thu Oct 14 2021 - 06:00

Given the very challenging nature of the housing and rental markets at the moment it’s nice to see the Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland lending its support to Focus Ireland’s Shine a Light Night on Friday, October 15th.

The society is urging members and member firms around the country to join the charity’s fundraising initiative, which is supported by Bord Gáis Energy, by sleeping outside their home or workplace. At the time of writing the amount raised had already exceeded €400,000.

Cork-based president TJ Cronin will be spending the night outside on the South Mall, while chief executive Shirley Coulter will be leading the team in Dublin with a sleepout at the society’s offices at Merrion Square.

The society said it is hoping the creation of a “donate by region” page on its website will generate some regional rivalry as well as much-needed funds for Focus Ireland.

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Cronin said while members often get to share happy times with clients when handing over the keys to their new home, or managing the construction of a new home, for too many families a home remains out of reach. He urged as many members as possible to support the initiative with a call to “dig out if you can’t sleep out”.

Solidarity

Aisling Nolan, head of partnerships and philanthropy at the charity, said it was delighted to have the society on board.

“We at Focus Ireland are absolutely delighted that the SCSI and members from all around the country are throwing their support behind this year’s Shine a Light Night and sleeping out in solidarity with those who are experiencing homelessness. The aim of this special night is to raise vital funds to provide support to 8,212 people – including 2,129 children – who are currently experiencing homelessness. Last year’s virtual event was our most successful ever and we want to make this year’s event even bigger. Wishing you all the very best of luck on the night.”

To support the initiative, see scsi.ie/shine and for more details see shinealight.focusireland.ie/

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