Cork Simon launches fundraising ball as numbers in homelessness on the rise

Cork Simon Community has launched its annual fundraising ball, with the number of people in Cork and Kerry being pushed in to homelessness increasing significantly.

A total of 799 adults depend on emergency accommodation in the South West, a 25% increase in a single year, the latest government figures show.

The Cork Simon Community’s biggest fundraising event of the year, the annual ball, will take place at the Fota Island Resort on Friday, April 17. Last year, the event made €250,000, bringing the total raised since its inception to almost €2m.

The ball is an opportunity for Cork businesses and organisations to work together, supporting Cork Simon Community to ensure their services help vulnerable people who are facing homelessness.

It is organised by a voluntary committee of local business leaders, and this year’s event is supported by a number of returning Cork-based sponsors, including EZ Living Interiors, Keane’s Jewellers, and Heineken Ireland.

Dermot Kavanagh, CEO at Cork Simon Community, said the ball is a crucial date on their annual calendar, “standing alone as our most important fundraising event”.

Mr Kavanagh said: “The money raised locally stays locally. The Cork community, businesses, and companies always show up and demonstrate their commitment to supporting an inclusive Cork that looks after the most vulnerable people.

“The staggering, 25% increase in men and women stuck in emergency accommodation in the South West at the end of 2025 highlights the increased pressure on all our services.

“We look forward to welcoming attendees to this year’s ball. A sell-out every year, as we continue to strengthen partnerships in 2026. We are extremely grateful for the continued support of the businesses and people of Cork.”

Barbara-Anne Richardson, corporate affairs manager at Heineken, said Cork Simon’s tireless work to help men and women experiencing homelessness has a huge impact on the Cork community.

“We look forward to raising much needed funds at this year’s ball, an event we have been involved with since its inception,” she said.

For more information about Cork Simon and the work they do, visit www.corksimon.ie.