Focus wishes on a star with festive appeal

A HOUSING charity yesterday called on businesses to sponsor stars on a Christmas tree to raise €300,000 for the homeless.

RTÉ presenter Gráinne Seoige yesterday launched Focus Ireland’s annual Christmas Tree campaign.

Stars, which can be sponsored for €1,000, €2,000, €5,000, €10,000 and €20,000, will then be placed on the tree at the top of Dublin’s Grafton Street.

Ms Seoige said: “We often take our homes and families for granted but it’s important that we don’t forget there will be many young people, adults and children who will be homeless this Christmas.

“I have supported this campaign for the last few years now and I think Focus Ireland’s Christmas Tree campaign is a good way for the Irish business community to get involved and support a good cause.”

The money raised will pay for education schemes and permanent new homes for homeless people.

Focus Ireland’s fundraising director Mark Mellet said: “This money will help make a real difference to somebody’s life this Christmas.

“I would ask companies to support us by opting to sponsor a star this year instead of spending money on Christmas cards or corporate presents for clients.”

Companies sponsoring a star will receive a special Focus Ireland Christmas Tree sponsor emblem for their company email.

The name of every sponsor also appears on the sponsor boards at the base of the Christmas Tree on Grafton Street as well as in advertising campaigns.

Last year’s campaign helped more than 5,500 people using Focus Ireland’s services. Companies can get more information on [phone] or e-mail [e-mail].