Cork Simon launches 'most important fundraising effort of the year'

Cork Simon has launched its annual fundraising ball, which is set to raise essential funds to support greater numbers turning to the charity for help.

For a third year in a row, the charity has seen further demand for its services, as the number of emergency accommodation users across Cork and Kerry has increased by 9% over the last 12 months.

This is according to the Department of Housing, which said there are a record 637 adults in emergency accommodation across this region.

The annual fundraising ball, which will take place at Fota Island Resort on April 4, is the organisation’s most vital fundraising event of the year.

The ball has raised €1.5m since it began and is an opportunity for Cork companies to work together as a community to raise funds that will help support Cork Simon’s work.

The event is organised by a voluntary committee made up of local business leaders, and is sponsored by a number of Cork-based companies including EZ Living Interiors, Keane’s Jewellers, Dunnes Stores, and Heineken Ireland, all of which have agreed to continue their support for this year’s ball.

“Without a doubt, this is our most important fundraising effort of the year,” Cork Simon CEO Dermot Kavanagh said.

“It’s of critical significance to us and is a glowing example of what can be achieved when the business organisations in our city and county come together for a common goal.

“We have seen an unprecedented rise in the number of people sleeping rough in Cork, [and] the need for our services has increased year on year.

“This ball, a sell-out each year, helps us continue our crucial work.”

Marion Bradley from Heineken Ireland said: “We are delighted to once again support the annual Cork Simon fundraising ball.

“We have been involved since the very beginning, a partnership we are very proud of as the event raises much needed funds.

“The work Cork Simon does is of utmost importance for homeless people in our city and county, offering housing and support in their journey back to independent living.”