Cork Simon Ball to be held next month

THE Cork Simon Ball is returning for its 22nd year and will take place on May 10 at Fota Island Resort.

The annual event will raise funds for the homeless, as record numbers rely on emergency accommodation.

Cork Simon supported 1,500 people during 2023, with just over a third of that number (532 adults) depending on the same emergency accommodations in February, an increase of 0.7% in twelve months.

Organised by a voluntary committee, the annual Cork Simon Ball has raised €1.5m since its launch in 2000, demonstrating what can be achieved when people come together

The lead sponsor is Heineken Ireland, with an additional number of Cork companies also showing their support.

Dermot Kavanagh, CEO of Cork Simon Community, said: “This is our most important fundraising event each year. Our partnership with Heineken Ireland and the wider business community is much more than a financial contribution, it is a mutual understanding of how we can work together towards making Cork a better place.

“It’s a sell-out every year, and that means we can be there every time someone knocks on our door looking for help when there’s nowhere else to turn.

“That’s real belief in people. That’s Cork at its very best,” he said.

Orla Joyce, head of legal from Heineken Ireland, said: “Heineken Ireland is very proud to have been involved in the ball since its inception, as this event is of critical importance in raising much needed funds to support Cork Simon, who work in solidarity with homeless men and women, offering housing and support in their journey back to independent living.

“We share a mutual value for people and community which we see delivered through the work of Cork Simon on a daily basis.”