Focus Ireland and Bord Gáis Energy call on businesses to support Shine A Light 2023

A new study of 1,000 Irish workers reveals that 85% say they are more likely to consider a role in an organisation that supports a cause or charity. Eighty-one per cent feel it is important that businesses encourage employees to engage in charitable activities.

The research was released by Focus Ireland to launch the annual Shine A Light campaign. The annual sleep out takes place on October 13, and is proudly supported by Bord Gáis Energy.

Raise funds for Focus Ireland

The campaign is calling on business leaders, companies, employees, and individuals to come together to kick start real change, by sleeping out against homelessness to help raise funds for Focus Ireland’s vital homeless services. According to the latest government figures, 1,804 families are in emergency accommodation as of June 2023. With the number of families becoming homeless increasing by 30% in the last year, there has never been a more important time to show your support.

The research also finds:

• Workers believe that homelessness is the most pressing social issue at present.
• 64% say taking part in charitable activities at work, positively impacts job satisfaction. 
• 1 in 5 feel their employer does not prioritise charitable activities.

Business leaders are invited to lead by example and join a sleep out event at one of the following locations: Páirc Uí Chaoimh, Cork; Croke Park, Dublin; and King John’s Castle, Limerick. Their businesses can get involved in Shine A Light by signing up through the Focus Ireland website, shinealight.focusireland.ie, and organising a sleep out at their workplace.

Shine A Light 2023

Focus Ireland and Bord Gáis Energy want to make this the biggest sleep out yet. They are encouraging business leaders to challenge their peers, colleagues, or friends to sleep out as part of Shine A Light. To nominate, share a post on LinkedIn tagging the people you want to nominate and encourage them to accept the challenge to sleep out. Use the hashtag #ShineALight and tag @FocusIreland and @BordGáisEnergy to spread the word and inspire others to get involved.

Fundraising event

Amy Carr, Director of Fundraising and Marketing at Focus Ireland: “With homelessness figures continuing to rise, Shine A Light continues to be our most important fundraising events of the year. The business community in Ireland has always shown strong support for our fundraising events and this year we want to show the impact that taking part in Shine A Light can have on your business.

“The research has shown that employees across the country are eager to get involved in charitable activities in the workplace and Shine A Light not only provides an opportunity to raise funds for Focus Ireland, but it can also raise company morale and provide a great team bonding experience for all involved”.

Get involved in Shine A Light by signing up through the Focus Ireland website, shinealight.focusireland.ie