Supporting a mission to end family homelessness
We began sponsoring Focus Ireland, one the country’s largest homelessness organisations, in 2015 out of a desire to help build a more equal Ireland. It's a partnership that’s given us unforgettable opportunities to contribute to many of the communities we serve.
Recent reports show that more than 13,500 people in Ireland are without a home, and figures are growing. Focus Ireland offers vital services for children and their families at risk of homelessness, support for those emerging from homelessness as well as crucial lobbying and activism in political spaces.
Since 2015, our teams have directly supported more than 7,000 families experiencing homelessness or at risk of losing their homes. We’ve committed €4.4 million to Focus Ireland’s community programs and more than 1,000 volunteer hours through our staff initiatives.
Our own Bord Gáis Energy Empowerment Fund brings vulnerable children the joyful childhood moments they deserve, from support for basics like school uniforms to family activities and festive holiday parties, through to critical interventions like medical care and mental health services.
Putting our energy to good use
Individually and in small groups, we join Focus Ireland for learning and volunteer work in their grassroots campaigns to build voter access, support families in distress and engage underserved communities.
Focus Ireland’s Voter Registration Drive, which we’re supporting through volunteering time and resources, aims to create a powerful voting block that prioritises issues of equality and housing.
For our colleagues, this rewarding commitment offers opportunities to give back throughout the year. Events like Shine A Light, Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle, Croke Park Abseiling Challenge, Focus Family Christmas Party and The Big Busk are highlights in our calendars.
Focus Ireland’s Shine A Light Night
Shine A Light is an annual October sleepout event which invites business leaders and communities across the country to ‘sleep out against homelessness’.
We’ve been a leading event sponsor since 2018, and every year, volunteers from our teams head outdoors with their sleeping bags for a night under the stars.
In 2023, we set a €1.2 million fundraising goal, and with the help of 56 Bord Gáis Energy volunteers spending a night outside, raised €1,279,000 to support Focus Ireland’s initiatives.
Everyone can join Focus Ireland in raising critical funds and awareness through Shine A Light. Visit focusireland.ie to find out how you can join this October.
"Shine A Light is hugely important for our Focus Ireland partnership, and our partnership with Focus Ireland is hugely important to us".
David Kirwan
Managing Director of Bord Gáis Energy
#ShineALight
