Waterford Chamber CEO Gerald Hurley is calling on the business community to join him in supporting The Big Deise Sleep in aid of Focus Ireland, which takes place on Friday, 30th November.

This is Gerald’s second year supporting the event at the Edmund Rice Heritage Centre, which raises much needed funds for the homeless service, which has been in Waterford for the last 18 years and the city is now the charity’s largest centre outside of Dublin.

“While it was certainly one of the most uncomfortable nights of my life, it was also a very humbling experience. Yes we had some good laughs and I met wonderful people, but in the dead of night, it’s hard not to think of those less fortunate than ourselves.

“I was delighted to meet Thomas Barr last year, who has always been a huge supporter of the Big Deise Sleep Out and pending training commitments, he is committed to joining us again this year. He is a wonderful Ambassador, not just for Waterford, but for Ireland, and given the year he has had, I’ve no doubt we’ll have plenty to talk about in the wee hours!”

Focus Ireland have received support from Waterford and St Dominic’s Credit Unions and for anybody wishing to join the sleepout, or lend their support, please contact Cathryn O’Leary on 086 6042854.

If you cannot participate in the Big Deise Sleep Out but would like to show your support, donations can be made here: 

https://big-deise-sleep-out-2018.everydayhero.com/ie/waterford-chamber-big-deise-sleep-out-2018