Norah Casey lends her support to Focus Ireland this Christmas

Norah Casey has teamed up with Focus Ireland to launch its annual “Sponsor a Star” campaign which aims to raise over €250,000 through businesses sponsoring a star on the charity’s Christmas tree at the top of Grafton Street.

Focus Ireland is asking businesses to give a life changing gift this year and sponsor a star in lieu of sending Christmas cards and corporate gifts to clients and customers.

Chairwoman of Harmonia Publishing, Norah Casey, is supporting this year’s campaign and outlined why she’s getting involved, “It’s heart-breaking to think that 1500 children and over 800 families will have nowhere to call home this Christmas. Focus Ireland is on the frontline of the homeless crisis working hard to support families and single people who are homeless and the thousands more at risk of losing their homes.  I am urging the business community to support this year’s campaign and in doing so help make a real difference to the lives of those affected by homelessness.”

The campaign comes as Focus Ireland highlighted that it needs the support of the business community now more than ever before.  Director of Marketing and Fundraising Mary O’Donovan said, “This Christmas will be a very challenging time for Focus Ireland as demand for our services has grown by over 44% in the last two years. We are asking companies to sponsor a star on the Focus Ireland Christmas tree and help us raise vital funds to make sure our services can cope with the rising demand and ensure we can continue to support people who have lost their homes or those at risk of becoming homeless. ”

Focus Ireland is reminding companies that 89 cent out of every euro Focus receives goes directly on frontline services to combat and prevent homelessness.  Focus Ireland customer, Sandra, was recently housed by the charity after being homeless for several years. The mother of three has completely turned her life around with the help of Focus Ireland and she’s looking forward to having somewhere to call home this Christmas, “The kids are all excited. They’re already planning what decorations to put up. And for the first time in a long time, we are even going to have a proper tree.”  The housing charity is reminding the business community that supporting the “Sponsor A Star” campaign will help parents like Sandra to secure a home and move on from homelessness.

Companies can sponsor a star on the special Christmas tree on Grafton Street, Dublin by contacting Aoife at Focus Ireland on 01 881 5984 orcooneya@focusireland.ie

There are many options in sponsoring a star and donation points range from the exclusive top Christmas star at €20,0000, platinum stars at €10,000, gold stars at €5,000, silver stars at €2,000 and bronze stars at €1,000.