Over 50 staff members across the Sisk Group of companies and its supply chain partners will be sleeping outside for one night at Sisk headquarters in Citywest Business Campus, Dublin.

The most recent Department of Housing report revealed that a record new total of 16,058 people – including over 5,000 children (5,014) are now homeless across Ireland. The situation is most acute in Dublin where almost 8,000 people (7,848) including 3,719 children are homeless and living in emergency accommodation.

Each year, Focus Ireland – Shine a Light night sees people sleeping out of their homes, gardens or workplaces to raise vital funds for the fight against homelessness. The campaign has raised millions of euros for some of Ireland’s most vulnerable people since it was launched 13 years ago.

Last year, Focus Ireland’s Family Homelessness Action Team (FHAT) supported 540 families to move into stable housing. This was a significant increase from 176 families in 2023.

Sisk Group of Companies includes Sensori Group, Vision Built and Origo. Its supply chain partners participating includes, Techrete, Duggan Systems Sitemate, Hire2K and CJK.

Marcus Carne, Chief Commercial Officer, Sisk said: “We are proud to be supporting Focus Ireland – Shine a Light again this year. We have set ourselves an ambitious target of trying to raise €200,000. The funds raised through Shine a Light go directly to where there is the greatest need each year, with over a quarter of a million hot meals served at its coffee shop last year.

He added: “Having recently visited the Focus Ireland Coffee Shop and accommodation facility in Dublin city centre it was remarkable to see the work being done by Focus Ireland staff. This just wouldn’t be possible without donations through Shine a Light. I am urging our network to please dig deep and donate whatever you can.”

Pat Dennigan, Chief Executive, Focus Ireland, said: “As the number of children in homelessness across Ireland approaches 5,000, I am personally calling on the business community to join us in taking action. By sleeping out for Shine a Light this October 10, together we will shine a light on Ireland’s children without a home. I was encouraged to see that research found that 87 per cent of businesses recognise their crucial role in ending homelessness. This shared belief is our greatest strength, as we know we can’t solve this crisis alone.”

Donations can be made here: https://joinus.focusireland.ie/fundraisers/Sisk