Pieta House Darkness into Light fundraiser goes international
In less than a decade, her campaign has gone round the world and this year, London and Sydney will host Darkness into Light events as part of Pieta House’s annual fundraiser.
RTÉ presenters Sinéad Kennedy and London-based Eoghan McDermott yesterday launched the charity’s annual event which was first held in Dublin’s Phoenix Park in 2009.
Taking place on Saturday, May 10, in association with Electric Ireland, Darkness into Light will begin in darkness at 4.15am as thousands of people will walk or run a 5km route while dawn is breaking. The early dawn represents hope and is symbolic of the work of Pieta House.
Speaking at the launch in The Little Museum of Dublin, Ms Freeman, CEO of Pieta House, said: “Darkness into Light is an incredible experience and one that people remember for a long, long time. There’s already huge anticipation and with so many new locations involved for 2014, it’s going from strength to strength.
“We’re tying this year’s event in with our Mind Our Men campaign that aims to reduce male suicide in Ireland, so I want to ask everyone to bring a male friend or family member with them. We’re making a big push this year to get all the men out — it means an early rise but they won’t regret it.”
Darkness into Light 2013 attracted 40,000 participants in 20 locations around Ireland. With this year’s event taking place in 39 locations, Pieta House is hoping for a near doubling of last year’s turnout.
“Electric Ireland is delighted to support Pieta House’s Darkness into Light event for the second year,” said Jim Dollard, executive director of Electric Ireland.
“Last year, more than 40% of Electric Ireland staff took part. We hope our energy in promoting this initiative will motivate more and more people in communities around the country to get involved. Pieta House has really captured the heart of the nation by demonstrating support and empathy for people affected by suicide. Electric Ireland is happy to play its part in supporting them,” he said.
Pieta House says that Darkness into Light is the most vital component of its fundraising calendar. “As demand for the service continues to grow and with more than 80% of Pieta House’s income depending on public donations, funds raised during Darkness into Light are essential for Pieta House to continue to provide a free service for the increasing numbers seeking help,” said a spokeswoman.
Proceeds from last year’s event helped to fund Pieta House’s recent expansion into Cork, Galway, and Kerry.
