Claire Madden

I’m sleeping out against homelessness

This October 11, I'll be doing something a little different from my usual workday. Instead of going home at the end of day, I'll be swapping my cosy bed for a sleeping bag as part of my workplace sleep out to raise awareness and funds for Focus Ireland, the national organisation tackling homelessness in Ireland.

While the idea of spending a night outdoors in the cold might not sound appealing at first, the cause behind it fuels my motivation. Homelessness is a critical issue that affects countless people in our community, and I'm proud to be a part of my company’s effort that that aims to take a stand against homelessness.

The statistics around homelessness are staggering. With over 4,000 children experiencing homelessness, it's clear we need to take action. That’s why I think it is important to take part in my workplace sleep out as part of Focus Ireland’s Shine A Light, proudly supported by Bord Gáis Energy. While a one-night sleep out is certainly not the same, it offers a glimpse into the vulnerability and hardship faced by thousands of people in Ireland without a safe and secure home.

By participating in this event, I hope to inspire others to get involved to raise funds to support vital homeless services. Please show your support by donating to my fundraising page: every contribution, big or small, gets us closer to creating a future where everyone has a safe place to call home.