Focus Ireland Christmas Jumper Day to assist the homeless in our community

Focus Ireland Christmas Jumper Day will help raise much-needed funds for the charity.

All Christmas Jumper Days will help raise much-needed funds for Focus Ireland

By I Love Limerick correspondent Ellie McCarthy

Bring some Christmas cheer this year and host a Focus Ireland Christmas Jumper Day running until December 25! All Christmas Jumper Days will help raise much-needed funds for Focus Ireland. This is a fun and exciting way to celebrate Christmas in your school/college/office or your virtual work meeting, all while raising vital funds for those experiencing homelessness in Ireland.

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The number of people officially homeless in Ireland is now rising every month and is at a record high of 10,975. The September figures also report a total of 1,532 families with 3,342 children homeless. Child homelessness is up 43% when compared with September 2021. Of the 1,532 families homeless in September 2022, 855 or 56% are from lone-parent families. Locally, the latest homeless figures also show there are currently 330 adults in emergency accommodations and 180 children who are homeless in the Midwest.

A spokesperson for Focus Ireland commented, “Figures published by the Department of Housing show the number of people who are officially homeless has risen for the 9th month in a row to 10,975. The monthly figures have also reached a new record level for the third consecutive month.”

Focus Ireland wants you to wear a Christmas Jumper or Christmasify your jumper with tinsel and/or lights and share your creations with your friends. Create your fundraising page today and Focus Ireland will be in touch to help you pick a date for you and your colleagues, friends or family and can send out posters, sponsorship cards, stickers and balloons if needed.

Founder of Focus Ireland, Sister Stanislaus Kennedy, an Irish nun, social activist, and former member of the Irish Council of State, through research, realised the importance of involving people who are homeless or have been directly affected by homelessness, in the development of homelessness services.

In 1985, two years after the initial research Focus Point (now Focus Ireland) opened its doors on Eustace Street in Temple Bar, Dublin. The organisation provided advice, information, advocacy and help with finding a home for those in need as well as a warm welcoming place to meet and have a low-cost meal.

Since its foundation, Focus Ireland’s services have continued to grow, and their research and advocacy work ensures that the rights of people who are homeless remain on the political agenda and aren’t put on the back burner. Focus Ireland now has services and housing projects across Ireland including in Waterford, Kilkenny, Cork, Sligo as well as Limerick and Dublin.

Find out more on how to get involved in Focus Ireland Christmas Jumper Day 

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