Sleep-out for the Homeless

On Tuesday 5th May the student body of St Patrick’s College St Vincent de Paul Society, with participants from the Students Union and the Choc Soc, held a Sleep-out in the college grounds to raise much-needed funds for, and awareness of, the plight of the Homeless in our city.  For the past semester, the SVP society have been involved in ‘soup runs’ every Tuesday and Wednesday evening so have witnessed first-hand the harrowing and often distressing circumstances many are forced to endure on a daily basis.  As a result of this ongoing work the Students decided to hold what is hoped to be an Annual Sleep-out to raise funds for ‘Back Lane’, a temporary shelter for the homeless.  Back Lane was built in 1915 by the Society of St Vincent de Paul to accommodate homeless men in the Dublin area.  Based in Christchurch the project is now managed by Depaul Ireland and delivers direct access emergency shelter to 74 homeless men.  The residents there generally stay on a 6-month basis, though some have been there for many years.  The Sleep-out commenced at 6pm and ran until 10am the following morning. Pyjama-clad students went around campus and pubs and streets in the surrounding area collecting money from the college community and passers-by.  The generosity of the students in giving so freely of their time, particularly as examinations loom was matched by the magnificent generosity of the students and staff.  The total amount raised was a fantastic €3,351.22.  This money, along with all monies raised by the SVP society this year will be presented to the various organisations at the SVP Annual Variety Show on Monday 11th May at 8pm in the College Auditorium.  The SVP society deeply appreciate and wish to acknowledge the support and encouragement received from the College without which it wouldn’t have been possible.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Last Updated: Friday May 08 2009