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Volkswagen Ireland's brand director for commercial vehicles, Alan Bateson, has signed up to help Focus Ireland's Shine A Light Night, which will see volunteers sleeping rough to help raise funds and awareness for homeless people. The sleepouts will take place on the night of the 21st of October in Christ Church, Dublin and at Cork City Gaol.
Commenting ahead of the night, Alan said: "I was shocked to realise that today there are over 5,000 people homeless in Ireland and that 1 in 3 is a child, a statistic that really hits home. I've signed up for 'Shine a Light Night' and hope to play my part in helping Focus Ireland provide vital prevention services which help change people's lives. I have committed to raise a minimum of €3,000 by Friday night and would really appreciate any support, every little helps. To support this cause, please visit https://www.justgiving.com/Alan-Bateson and help tackle this enormous issue in Ireland."
The Shine A Light Night event has raised €1.5-million since it was inaugurated in 2012, with the money going try and help break the cycle of homelessness by giving people access to information, housing, childcare and a range of education services throughout Dublin, Cork, Kilkenny, Limerick, Sligo, Waterford, Clare and Wexford.
More than 300 business leaders have signed up for the sleepouts.