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About Workplace Sleep Out

Colleagues - Staff - Employees - Teammates

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Join the movement. Help end homelessness.

Team up with your employees as part of the annual Shine A Light Sleep Out on Friday 10 October. The Workplace Sleep Out is a unique employee engagement opportunity and a dynamic way to activate your corporate social responsibility goals. Employees will sleep out in a safe and designated space on your company grounds (or a chosen location), raising vital funds for Focus Ireland in the fight against homelessness.

Maximise your team’s fundraising efforts knowing it will directly impact those experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness. With the support of Bord Gáis Energy and your amazing fundraising, we aim to raise €1.2 million in 2025 to support people experiencing homelessness in Ireland.

Don't miss this chance to be a part of Shine A Light. Sign up today and ensure your company is part of the nationwide sleep out to end homelessness.

Two Community Sleep out members holding sleeping bags and

Choose your Workplace Sleep Out option:

Join an existing
Workplace Sleep Out

Location: Cork and Dublin 

Venue:  

  • Cork - Cork City Gaol. 
  • Dublin - Leinster Cricket Club.

Spaces: Maximum of 100 participants. All participants must be registered to attend this event. 

Running Order: All participants will receive an email with detailed running order closer to the event. 

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. 
  • Evening meal & light breakfast. 
  • Support from staff, First Aider & security (available throughout the night).  

Host your own
Workplace Sleep Out

Time: Your choice, flexible to the needs of your workplace. Please refer the resources provided for further guidance. 

Location: Your workplace in areas such as carpark, rooftop, office space, backyards, warehouses etc. Please refer to the resources provided for further guidance.  

Running order: Please refer the resources provided for further guidance. 

What will be provided?  

  • All participants will receive a Shine A Light beanie hat once they have fundraised a minimum of €50. 
  • Downloadable event materials to print such as posters and bunting. 
  • An online programme featuring videos from Focus Ireland, our sponsors Bord Gáis Energy, and customers. 







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Be prepared for the night

What to bring?

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

What to wear?

  • Long sleeved thermal/polyester base layer 
  • Warm fleece/down layer 
  • Warm leggings/trousers 
  • Gloves 
  • Scarf 
  • Thick warm socks 
  • Runners/comfortable shoes 

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  
  • 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

Support & Advice

Our dedicated team is here to ensure your experience is smooth and successful with advice on topics such as event planning, fundraising and internal recruitment. We're here to help you with every aspect of your night.

Optional Information Webinar

Focus Ireland will host a webinar designed to help get your team fully prepared for a successful and impactful sleep out experience.

Team Building

Experience the sense of accomplishment that comes from working together as a team to raise critical funds for those in need. 

A well-organised event

Your workplace has the option of joining us at designated venues in Cork and Dublin; or tailored support every step of the way if you choose to organise your own Workplace Sleep Out.

Your fundraising goal

 We are asking companies to strive for a fundraising goal of €1,000.

 Why €1,000? 

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

Here's how your fundraising can make a difference:

€500

13 customers can receive advice, information and warm nutritious meals within our Coffee Shop

€1000

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

€5000

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

Workplace 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:
Gráinne Kennedy, Head of Partnerships & Philanthropy, Focus Ireland

In my role as Head of Partnerships & Philanthropy, I see firsthand the importance of companies showing their support for critical social issues. Homelessness is a complex challenge, and it requires a collective effort to find solutions. That's why I'm so passionate about the Shine A Light Workplace Sleep Out. This impactful event is more than just one night. When companies come together and join this nationwide sleep out, it sends a powerful message. It shows employees that their company cares. It shows the community that businesses are committed to social responsibility. And most importantly, it shows those experiencing homelessness that they are not forgotten, that there is hope. I urge companies of all sizes to get involved, knowing that my dedicated team and I are here to support you every step of the way. 

A message from our sponsor, Bord Gáis Energy:
Catherine Lonergan, Director of Energy, Marketing and Data

I'm incredibly proud that Bord Gáis Energy is sponsoring Focus Ireland’s Shine A Light. The homelessness crisis can feel like an overwhelming issue, but the sleep out demonstrates that we can take action and make a difference. Last year, I had the privilege of participating in the company sleep out with my team. While it wasn't the most comfortable night, it was a truly impactful experience. We learned more about the challenges faced by those experiencing homelessness, raised vital funds for Focus Ireland, and most importantly, took a stand in solidarity. Seeing so many colleagues come together for this cause was incredibly inspiring. It showed me the power of collective action and the genuine care our company has for our community. I encourage everyone to get involved, whether it's by participating in a sleep out, donating, or simply spreading the word. 

Past Participants

Shane Moriarty, Meta

Meta Ireland have been proud supporters of the Focus Ireland Sleep Out for 10+ years. The issue of homelessness in Ireland has continued to rise and this campaign is vital in shining a light on this issue. Taking part in this event is a humbling experience where we bring colleagues together in the office one night each year to sleep outside, fundraise and support the work Focus Ireland do. Planning has already begun on the 2024 event. Thank you to the team at Focus Ireland who help us set up the event and show us the impact our employees fundraising has.