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About Business Leader Sleep Out

CEOs - Managing Directors - Senior Executives

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Step up. Lead the way.

On Friday 10 October, Ireland’s top business leaders will sleep out in solidarity with people experiencing homelessness. By stepping outside their comfort zones, they’re sending a powerful message that everyone deserves a place to call home.

Whether you're a CEO, Managing Director, or Senior Executive, your leadership can drive real impact. Every sign-up and every euro raised supports Focus Ireland’s vital work, proudly backed by Bord Gáis Energy.

Don't miss this chance to lead. Sign up today and ensure you're part of this crucial conversation.

Event details

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Date:
Friday 10 October

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Time:
All night. Join us for our Official Business Leaders Sleep Out!

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Locations:
Cork - Cork City Gaol
Dublin - TU Dublin, Grangegorman

'On the Night' Schedule:
Participants will receive a email prior to the event will a full schedule of activities.

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What to bring?

  • Your own sleeping bag (essential).
  • A yoga mat/ sleeping mat (optional).

What will be provided?

  • Shine A Light beanie hat.
  • Survival bag (a protective layer to cover your sleeping bag and ensure your bedding remains dry).
  • Emergency foil blanket.
  • Cardboard mat.
  • Tea & coffee will be available.
  • Hot evening meal & light breakfast.
  • Support from staff, First Aider & security (available throughout the night).
  • Toilet facilities (available throughout the night).

What to pack?

  • Overnight bag.
  • Waterproof jacket (required for your comfort and safety).
  • Extra layers, a change of clothes and spare socks (store in a dry bag in your backpack).
  • Mobile Phone (fully charged) + charger + battery pack.
  • A headtorch or flashlight.
  • Any medication you use (please do not share this medication at any time with other members under any circumstances).
  • Toothbrush & toothpaste.

Here's what you can expect

Optional Information Webinar

An optional pre-event information webinar hosted by Focus Ireland - this session will cover everything you need to know about the Business Leader sleep out and the impact of your participation.

Workshops & Networking

Workshops & networking opportunities with fellow business leaders who share your passion for social responsibility.

Support from Focus Ireland

The Focus Ireland team will be right there with you on the night to offer support. Plus, you will get to chat directly with the team who deliver our services, learning firsthand just how vital your support is.

A well-organised event

A well-organised sleep out experience at designated venues in Cork and Dublin, and wake up with a sense of accomplishment knowing you've played a vital role in raising critical funds for those in need.

Your fundraising goal

 We are asking each participating   Business Leader to strive for a   fundraising goal of  €5,000.  

 Why €5,000? 

 Your generous contributions will   directly impact the lives of those in   need.

Here's how your fundraising can make a difference:

€1,000

3 young people and adults can receive support through our Preparation for Education, Training & Employment Service (PETE)

€5,000

19 families can receive wrap-around supports such as advice and information, allocated case workers with the ultimate goal of secure long-term accommodation

€10,000

17 young people can receive support with short-term accommodation, within our Caretakers Service

Business Leaders Leaderboard

Individuals

1

Mark McGreevy

Raised

€500
2

Eoin Fitzsimons

Raised

€5

Teams

1

Team Focus

Raised

€7
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Testimonials

A message from
Pat Dennigan,
CEO, Focus Ireland:

Business leaders are constantly dealing with challenges. It's what we do. Challenges of service, resources, people, public perception, juggling family demands and everything else. As CEO of Focus Ireland, I'm extending a direct challenge to all business leaders to join me in the annual Shine A Light Business Leader sleep out on Friday 10 October. 

True leadership emerges in the face of challenges. And right now, we face a profound challenge: the homelessness crisis affecting thousands of children in Ireland. We cannot, and we must not, turn away. 

This year, we are shining a direct, unyielding spotlight on child homelessness. Let's be clear: it is not an inevitability that families are without homes, that children are left behind, their childhoods stolen, their futures blighted. This is not a preordained fate. This is a question of political will and choice, and as a nation, we must demand action.

We absolutely must not fail children again. Your presence is critical to collectively raise awareness, secure vital funds, and amplify our voices in this urgent, necessary fight. Your experience of dealing with challenges is essential to deal with this one. Your commitment, your presence, and your willingness to engage in Shine A Light signals our collective resolve to end homelessness. Together, we can make the choice to protect childhoods and build better futures for thousands of children without a home.  

 A message from our sponsor, Bord Gáis Energy: 
 Dave Kirwan,
Managing Director

On Friday 10 October, many of us will step out of our comfort zones to sleep out against homelessness. I’ll be there representing Bord Gáis Energy because we believe every child deserves a safe place to call home.

But this isn’t just about one night. It’s about raising vital funds for Focus Ireland, who work tirelessly each day to help families find and keep a home.

Right now, thousands of children across Ireland are living in temporary accommodation, such as hotels, B&Bs and family hubs, often with no certainty about what comes next. It’s a situation no child should ever have to face, and one we have the power to change.

This year marks a decade of partnership between Bord Gáis Energy and Focus Ireland. In that time, we’ve helped over 8,500 families who were homeless or at risk of losing their home. Our total funding of €7.5 million includes philanthropic donations, marketing and campaign support, colleague fundraising and company matching, all of which have helped Focus Ireland provide vital services and long-term housing solutions.

Shine A Light is a time for business leaders to stand together and show our commitment to real, lasting change. We are fortunate to return to warm beds and welcoming homes, and this experience reminds us why this work matters so deeply.

Past Participants

A message from
Aaron Mansworth,
Managing Director,
Trigon Hotels:

On 11 October 2024, I joined business and community leaders across Ireland in sleeping out in support of Focus Ireland’s Shine A Light campaign. It was a powerful and humbling experience. It was a single night that offered just a glimpse into the hardship faced by thousands experiencing homelessness.

This was my first time taking part, and  it reminded  me of the importance of solidarity, compassion, and action. I had the chance to hear first-hand stories from those who have been supported by Focus Ireland. These people are now rebuilding their lives with dignity and hope. It’s deeply moving and incredibly inspiring.

As Managing Director of Trigon Hotels, I am proud that our team is committed to playing an active role in the community. Shine A Light is not just about raising vital funds. It is about raising awareness, driving real conversations, and standing up for a better, fairer society.

I would encourage every business leader to get involved. It is a night that stays with you long after the sleeping bag is packed away. Support Shine A Light because it changes lives.