A Dublin solicitor and her family are embarking on a fundraising drive for the homeless.

In-house counsel Jacinta Bourke, together with her husband Dave and daughters Kirsten and Sarah, are hoping to give out 300 Christmas backpacks to the homeless at the Tiglin homeless café at the Light House Centre on Pearse Street in Dublin 2.

The goal is to have the backpacks delivered to those who need them most by 19 December.

Tough

“Christmas can be a tough and lonely time of the year for those who are homeless and sleeping rough on our streets,” Jacinta told Gazette.ie.

“New figures released show that homelessness in Ireland has increased significantly since the start of the pandemic,” she said.

The family is raising funds to provide 300 waterproof backpacks with goodies, including: thermal clothes, hats, gloves, scarfs, face-masks, edible treats, toiletries and Christmas goodies.

Hand-written Christmas card

A hand-written Christmas card will also be included from every person who donates.

Jacinta is asking her colleagues in the profession to help bring a little happiness and Christmas cheer to the homeless this festive season.

“Donate what you can at Gofundme.com and let the homeless know that someone cares,” she said today. “Even a small donation could help us reach our fundraising goal.”

€10,000 target

Currently, the family has managed to raise over €5,682 of its €10,000 target.

Alternatively, any items for backpacks may be donated in person at:

Tiglin Homeless Cafe, Light House Centre, 28 Pearse Street, Dublin D02NA48

Jacinta can also be contacted directly at jacintabourkesnow@gmail.com to arrange collection of any donations.

Practitioners are kindly asked to spread the word about this worthwhile fundraiser.