Charity cycle puts a focus on homelessness

Bord Gáis Energy staff to cycle from Cork to Dublin in aid of Focus Ireland.

Over the next three days (29-31 August), Bord Gáis Energy staff will cycle the 230 kilometre journey from Cork to Dublin to raise money for homeless charity Focus Ireland.

The trip will start with an 80km trip from Cork to Cahir; on day two the group will make the 150km journey from Cahir to Kildare and on day three it’s a homeward bound 60km from Kildare to Dublin.

The Bord Gáis Energy team has already raised €6,000 in much needed funds for Focus Ireland. Anyone interested in showing their support and making a donation can do so at justgiving.com/company/BordGaisFocusIreland.

The cycle is part of Bord Gáis Energy’s fundraising programme for Focus Ireland. In October 2015, the energy company announced a three year partnership with Focus Ireland, committing a total of €1.2million to help in the fight against family homelessness in Ireland. This funding has contributed to two new dedicated services within Focus Ireland; to provide support directly to families at risk, and a programme to raise awareness of the factors leading to family homelessness.

Irene Gowing, Communications Manager with Bord Gáis Energy said, ‘The number of homeless people in Ireland is growing at an alarming rate and the work Focus Ireland does all over the country is exceptional. Over the past 12 months, everyone at Bord Gáis Energy has contributed in various ways to supporting the charity and we’re delighted that so many have turned out to take part in the cycle this week. It’s a tough journey and no doubt there’ll be lots of tired legs by the time they get to Dublin!’

Ashley Balabirnie, CEO of Focus Ireland said "I am delighted and inspired by the efforts of Bord Gáis Energy staff on behalf of Focus Ireland to support our partnership to tackle family homelessness. The care and commitment from the staff is second to none, and the funds raised from the initiative will help us to reach families at risk of homelessness and parents and children stuck in emergency accommodation right now' 

More information on Focus Ireland and the services provided to families can be found on the Focus Ireland website focusireland.ie