The Focus Ireland team are here to help with any questions or queries you might have about ‘On the move’ or your fundraising. If your question is not answered in the FAQs below, please do get in touch via email
We are so excited that you decided to be ‘On the move’ for Focus Ireland, and play your part in the fight against homelessness. We want to make your fundraising and participation experience as easy as possible, so we have created helpful toolkits available to download below, as well as a Frequently Asked Questions section to answer any questions you may have.
General
What is 'On the move'?
‘On the move’ is an exciting series of fitness and adventure challenges taking place across the country, from June to September 2023, to raise funds for Focus Ireland’s homeless services. We have selected six events in some of Ireland’s most breathtaking locations. By taking part in one, several or all of these events, not only do you get moving, but you also get the chance to experience Ireland’s beautiful outdoors with a purpose.
When are the events happening?
The events are taking place from June to September 2023 – the exact dates and times for each event are specified on their dedicated page, accessible from the dropdown menu. Some events will only take a few hours or one day to complete, while others will run over the course of a couple of days. Please make sure to check each event’s date and estimated duration before you register.
Is there a registration cost?
You will be required to pay a registration fee for each event you decide to take part in. These registration fees allow us to cover the logistical and administrative costs for each event. Depending on the event(s) that you choose, and what is included for each of them (accommodation, meal, etc.), there may be additional costs involved.
How much am I expected to raise and where does it go?
For each event that you decide to take part in, we ask that you fundraise a minimum of €350. These funds will directly benefit Focus Ireland’s homeless services which are providing vital support to individuals and families experiencing or at risk of homelessness in Ireland. By setting this fundraising target (and hopefully reaching it!), you’re making it possible for our team to keep making an impact on the lives of our customers.
For example:
- €40 could help provide a family with the first vital support session once they become homeless;
- €70 could help provide a family with children the day-to-day case management they need to find a home of their own;
- €125 could help provide a family with a safe and secure home for a month in Focus Ireland’s supported housing.
Am I eligible to take part?
The events are open to anyone over the age of 16 with a good level of fitness. We’ve made sure to include a variety of events to suit all fitness levels, but we encourage you to make sure that the event(s) you’re interested in is/are a good match with your endurance levels before you register. Please note that participants aged 16-18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
Registration
How do I register as a participant for one, or several of the challenges?
We’re calling on adventure seekers across Ireland to take part in our ‘On the move’ series of physical challenges throughout the summer months. There are two ways you can get involved: 1. You can sign up as an individual, or 2. You can take on the challenge(s) of your choice by teaming up with your friends, family, or co-workers. Select your option and fill in the online form to register and create your own fundraising page.
You may opt to join one, a few, or all the events - however there will be registration fees associated with the challenges, which allow us to cover event and administrative costs. Once you’ve registered, a member of our team will get in touch with you to confirm the details of each event and respond to any questions you may have.
Register Now
Why am I not able to register?
If you are unable to register, it might be the case that your event is full. You can always call us on 01 881 5900 or email onthemove@focusireland.ie to check if your event still has available spots.
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What happens if the event is full?
If the event is full, you may request to be added to the waiting list and we will notify you if a space becomes available.
Fundraising
What is the best way to fundraise?
We have prepared loads of useful resources to help you with your fundraising for #Onthemove. Download our guides below or e-mail us with any queries: onthemove@focusireland.ie
How do I start raising funds?
First and foremost, the best way to start raising funds is to share your fundraising page as widely as possible with your network of friends, family and co-workers (via email, WhatsApp and social media platforms). We encourage you to customise your page to include the reasons why you decided to get On The Move for Focus Ireland, and prompt donations.
Your supporters will be able to make donations directly on your fundraising page – alternatively, they may also donate by clicking the general ‘Donate’ button displayed on the homepage of the website.
How do I send donations to Focus Ireland?
Please read the fundraising guide* which provides options for you to send your donations to Focus Ireland.
Event
What events can I join as part of the 'On the move' series?
We have selected a variety of physical challenges in iconic locations in Donegal, Kerry, Limerick, Mayo, Waterford & Wicklow. There are six exciting events whereby participants are encouraged to take part in a series of challenges – ascend Ireland’s highest peak in Kerry, or transverse through quaint towns, woodlands, and bogs on the famous Achill Greenway, and more!
Events include:
- Hikes: The Carrauntoohil Hike, the Full Moon Sliabh Liag Hike, the Glendalough Hike
- Greenways: The Waterford Greenway, Limerick Greenway, Achill Greenway.
What fitness level is required to take on these challenges?
We expect participants to have a good level of fitness and there will be a challenge to suit everyone. Simply make sure to check the difficulty level specified for each event on the events section before registering. The groups will move at a comfortable pace, and nobody is ever left behind. Nevertheless, it is your responsibility to contact us if you have any concerns regarding your level of fitness, health, or ability to complete a challenge. If you have any questions you’d like to ask before registering, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at onthemove.focusireland.ie and someone from our team will quickly get back in touch with more information.
What kind of training should I do?
Everybody is different so we cannot recommend a specific fitness programme. However please remember the fitter you are, the more you will enjoy the challenges. If you are new to exercise, we encourage you to prepare for your challenge by gradually walking longer distances over a set period of time, and progressively incorporate some uphill terrain to improve your endurance. Even if you are active and exercise regularly, it’s a good idea to adapt your training to match the specifics of your chosen challenge. Whatever training you decide to do, remember that consistency is key!
Is it possible to take part in more than one challenge?
Absolutely! You may decide to register for one, a few, or even all six events taking place across the country. You just need to select all events you’re interested in when you register online. However, please note that there will be registration fees associated to each event, which are to be paid at the time of registration.
What should I bring on the day?
You are responsible for having the necessary personal equipment you need for your event. We’ve put together a checklist of items to bring with you on the day, accessible in the ‘Prepare’ section of the website.
In addition to your equipment, please make sure to bring any personal medication you may require.
What will be provided by Focus Ireland?
- Hike: ‘On the move’ t-shirts, torches (for the Sliabh Liag Hike only)
- Greenway: ‘On the move’ t-shirts, bikes, helmets, pumps
- All events: First aid kit, tea/coffee and refreshments.
Are the times provided for each event exact?
No, there is a specific start time for your event, and the finish time will vary depending on the weather, the pace of the group, and various other outside influences on the day.
Can I bring my dog?
Dogs are great company, however we kindly request that you do not bring your dog, or any other pets, to these events. We must be respectful and aware of farm animals and wildlife we may come across.
If I end up not being able to take part in the challenge that I registered for, is my registration fee reimbursed?
Unfortunately, refunds will only be available if the entire series of events are cancelled. Given that there are other challenge events, and a ‘Choose your own challenge’ option for participants, we will not be offering refunds if individual events are cancelled.
Please speak to our team on onthemove.focusireland.ie or phone 01 881 5900 if you wish to transfer to another event. Please note that places are limited for all events and we may not be able to accommodate changes or transfers.
