Limerick sleep-out to raise awareness of food poverty

THE Redemptorists are leading a sleep-out on Limerick's O’Connell Street for 24 hours to raise awareness of food poverty in Limerick and to raise funds for the Redemptorist Christmas Hamper Appeal.

“A total of 50 to 60 people will take part in the event at diffrent stages during the sleep-out but a core group of eight or nine people will sleep out for the 24 hours,” said Fr Seamus Enright, of the Redemptorists of the event, which runs from 8pm this Thursday until 8pm Friday.

The initiative will be launched by  metropolitan Mayor of Limerick Cllr Sean Lynch and the aim is to provide food and a toy for every child in need at Christmas.

“One of the things that’s great about Limerick is the economic upturn, but people who are not benefitting from this upturn include children who go to bed hungry every night and then on to school hungry,” added Fr Enright.

Last year 7,000 plus hampers were distributed to needy individuals and families by the Redemptorists – working in partnership with the Society of St Vincent de Paul, Simon, Focus Ireland, Novas, Limerick Youth Service, the Free Dinner Trust and other groups across Limerick City and County and according to organisers the needs seem to be greater this year.

Teachers and students from St Clements College will also attend. At 9pm on Thursday pupils of the Redemptorist School of Music will perform as part of the event.