After a gap of three years, Drogheda Homeless Aid is returning to West Street this Christmas to host their annual Sleep Out and Bucket Collection outside St Peter’s Church and are seeking volunteers to help them in their largest fundraiser of the year.
Drogheda Homeless Aid has been dealing with the fallout from the homeless crisis for many years and this year the crisis is as bad as it has ever been. The 24-hour Annual Sleep Out raises awareness and vital funds to keep their doors open and provide services in the community in Louth and Meath.
“The Bucket collectors will be present in multiple locations in the town” a spokesperson said. “The Flag Day element of the event will start at 9 AM and finish at 6 PM on the 3rd of December 2022.
“From 6 PM until the following day at 7 AM, the sleepers – sponsors of the event who would be members of our community, would volunteer and sleep out for 24 hours on West Street.
Drogheda Homeless Aid is appealing to the public to help them make this event their most incredible yet. To help raise €50,000, we need you to sign up as a willing volunteer and undertake the overnight Sleep Out challenge by donating online, shaking a bucket on the day or being a part of the events team for the weekend.
The Manager of Drogheda Homeless Aid, Tracy McAuley, said, ‘the emphasis on support for this year’s Annual Sleep Out is more significant than any other event we have ever done.
“This is due to the increasing costs the Charity faces and shortfalls due to the pandemic.
“Each year we impact hundreds of local people who receive the benefit of services provided by the Drogheda Homeless Aid, which includes emergency accommodation, transitional and social housing.
“We also deliver Meals on Wheels for Drogheda and the surrounding area, providing hot meals and care packages for the elderly and the most at risk.
The Sleep Out aims to shine light on a darker issue on the day by hosting entertainment throughout the afternoon with Live music and acts and photo opportunities with Superheroes and Buskers who are local performers contributing their time for free.
There is a call for participants and sponsors to contact info@dha.ie To sign up and get more information on how to help.
Volunteers can sign up at Volunteer Opportunity – I-VOL, and people can make donations at https://idonate.ie/sleepoutDHA
