Bus donated to homeless charity hours after single released to raise funds

A volunteer group which released a charity single to raise money for a bus for the homeless secured the vehicle within hours of the song’s release.

Helping Cork’s Homeless released ‘Lay Your Head Down’, an original song that instantly made iTunes’ Top 10 chart.

The charity had hoped the funds from the single would go towards paying for a bus that would provide shelter and showering facilities for Cork’s homeless when the city’s emergency accommodation is full to capacity.

However, the charity received word that bus company Kearney’s Coaches would donate a vehicle, just hours after the song received its first airing on the Neil Prendeville Show on RedFm last Friday morning.

Helping Cork’s Homeless founder Christina Chalmers has thanked the station, musician Marian Nolan who wrote the single, and Heineken which hosted the song’s launch.

“The people of Cork have been absolutely outstanding, and Kearney’s Coaches come on board and said they’d give us the bus,” said Ms Chalmers.

“I was hoping that we would get it eventually through the downloads and appealing to investors out there who might help up with the bus, but Kearney’s have literally given us a bus. They are going to take the 54 seats out of it.

At the launch last week at Heineken in Cork of the Helping Cork’s Homeless Christmas charity single ‘Lay Your Head Down’ were (from left) Christina Chalmers, founder of Helping Cork’s Homeless; Neil Prendeville, RedFM; and Marion Daly Nolan, who wrote the song.

“Chris Harrington is going to build it, and get all the materials that we need. There are a lot of different professionals on board. We’ll all have to sit down together and kick this thing out, but it’s phenomenal, and I’m in a daze that we got it so soon. I thought we would be fundraising for months with the track.”

A builder by trade, Mr Harrington was one of about 50 volunteers who took to the streets of Cork last Friday to deliver food and clothing to those sleeping rough.

“I’m fortunate enough to have a home, I’m fortunate enough to have work, so I just think it’s only right to give back,” he said.

“I’m going to kit out the whole lot. Numerous suppliers in Cork have been on to me to say they’re going to give me material. Between that and my own men, we’ll get it built.

“I feel upset that we have to do it, that people out there in much higher positions are not doing anything when in reality they can.

“There’s very few things that people shouldn’t go without, but food and shelter should be given to all.”