Seize The Night

Enniskerry FRI16OCT22

t’s an annual event that not only raises some much-needed funds for Focus Ireland but also reminds us all of the harshness of homelessness.

Which is why a bunch of local teenage girls took to the mean streets of Enniskerry on Friday night.

“In Ireland, homelessness is evolving into such a huge problem,” they told the Guide, “so, we decided to take part in this movement to raise awareness and hopefully make a difference when it comes to the homeless…”

Having initially planned to sleep on the village square, on the recommendation of Focus Ireland, Holly Danaher, Isabelle Wilkinson, Aoibhe Hoey, Isabelle Smith, Eleanore Burke, Isabelle Stewart, Tara Carey, Orla Long, Pippa Bellows and Kate Coleman moved to a nearby garage. Where there were no creature comforts, we’re assured.

“Although we had a roof over our heads, we are sleeping out in every other aspect. It was cold and uncomfortable, and the lack of sleep exasperated this. It brought perspective to how privileged we are to be able to go home to a warm, comfy bed and hot food.

“In Ireland, 10,500 people don’t have the guarantee of food or a bed, which made our sleep-out seem so insignificant, but to raise both some awareness and some funds made it so worth the cold.”

Part of a Focus Ireland fundraising drive by transition years students from St Gerard’s in Bray, so far, an impressive €9,5000 has been raised.

And you can add to that total by donating right about here. Do it.