29 March 2016
By Bryan T. Smyth
bryan@TheCork.ie
Cork Simon provides life-changing services for men and women who are homeless in Cork 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The number of people sleeping rough in Cork has grown from 38 in 2011, to an alarming 345 people in 2015. Through the annual Cork Simon Fundraising Ball, businesses in the region have been supporting the work of Cork Simon for 16 years – and this year they hope to raise €100,000 to help deliver these much-needed services as the housing and homeless crisis deepens.
Almost 300 people will attend the sold-out annual ball on Friday 8 April 2016 in Fota Island Resort. The fundraising ball has two major sponsors this year, HEINEKEN Ireland and Bon Secours Hospital Cork – along with several Friends of Simon sponsors.
“I have seen first-hand the incredible work that Cork Simon does in our local community. I am delighted to serve as the chair of the fundraising ball voluntary committee again this year; Cork businesses have shown their generosity time and time again and this year we have collectively set a target of raising €100,000 for this vital organisation,” said Tim Murphy, CEO, Strencom and voluntary Chair of Cork Simon Fundraising Ball Committee.
More than 50 Cork companies support the Cork Simon Fundraising Ball each year through sponsorship, donations and items for auction. All auction items are listed on the Cork Simon website and bids can be placed in advance of the auction.
“The housing and homeless crisis in Cork continues to deepen at an alarming rate. We’ve seen significant increases to the number of people turning to us for help and we are very concerned for the future. Cork Simon needs the support of the business community in Cork now more than ever so that we can continue to support people who are among the most vulnerable in our society. By giving us their time, energy and talents, Cork’s business community is demonstrating their commitment to working together with us towards a common goal – making Cork a better place for all. For that we would like to say a big thank-you,” Dermot Kavanagh, Director of Cork Simon.
“HEINEKEN Ireland are once again delighted to sponsor the Cork Simon Fundraising Ball. This organisation is invaluable to our society and we are happy to support it in any way we can,” said Sandy Boundy, HEINEKEN Ireland.
Andrew McCarthy, of Bon Secours Hospital Cork commented: “While our care within the hospital is summed up by our brand motto ‘Advanced Medicine, Exceptional Care’, our ‘care’ goes beyond the walls of the hospital in a very particular way through our Community Initiative Funding. This is a key way for us, in which we translate our ethos of ‘care’ into action for the wider local community. In support of the great work that they are doing, we are delighted to act as a main sponsor for Cork Simon for 2016.”
