The legal profession is renewing its focus on the pressing issue of homelessness, with a sleep-out at the Law Society’s headquarters in October.

In partnership with Focus Ireland, the seventh annual ‘Shine A Light’ business leaders’ fundraiser will take place at the Blackhall Place campus on 12 October 2018.

Business chiefs and their teams will sleep out for one night to raise money in support of Focus Ireland’s work in challenging homelessness and changing lives.

The charity is asking staff in companies nationwide to get teams together, fundraise collectively, and have a sleep-out or sleep-in at their workplace on the same night.

Law Society President Michael Quinlan said that it was an honour to support the charity by hosting the fundraiser: “The solicitors’ profession has supported the fight against homelessness in Ireland and in Calcutta for more than 20 years through the Calcutta Run,” he said.

'Easy decision'

“So, it was an easy decision to also lend the Law Society’s support to Focus Ireland and this unique event. Homelessness in Ireland is more prevalent than ever and we all must play our part to help alleviate the problem.

“‘Shine A Light Night’ is an opportunity for managing partners, chief executives and other senior business leaders to experience one night sleeping rough as they raise funds for homeless people.

"I commend Focus Ireland for their dedication to helping homeless people, as well as the business leaders around the country who are taking part in Shine A Light.”

Pat Dennigan (Focus Ireland) added: “We work tirelessly with people experiencing homelessness to help them secure their home, or to ensure they exit homelessness permanently.

“We also work extensively across the area of prevention to make sure many other families and individuals never become homeless in the first place.

“We rely on the support of organisations like the Law Society of Ireland, which are of great benefit to us when it comes to fundraising events like ‘Shine A Light Night’.

“We’d like to take this opportunity to thank them for their generous support,” he said.