Firms urged to 'sponsor a star' for charity

A charity aims to raise €400,000 for homeless services by asking firms to sponsor stars on its giant Christmas Tree in Dublin's Grafton Street.

The annual Focus Ireland Sponsor a Star appeal has attracted €2.5m over the past six years.

The charity, which works in Dublin, Limerick, Waterford, Cork, Sligo and Kilkenny, supported more than 6,000 people through its services last year.

Focus Ireland said more people face the risk of becoming homeless due to the economic downturn, and therefore support from firms is more important than ever this Christmas.

Focus Ireland chief executive Joyce Loughnan urged firms to sponsor a star this year instead of spending money on Christmas cards or corporate presents for clients.

Launching the campaign, TV personality Grainne Seoige said: "In these difficult times, things will be even harder for people who are marginalised in society and it's important to remember there will be many young people, adults and children who will be homeless this Christmas with many more people at risk."

She added: "Last year's campaign raised just over €400,000 and it would be great if businesses could dig deep again to raise at least the same amount this year."

Sponsoring a star on the tree ranges in price from €1,000 to €20,000.

Ms Loughnan said: "There are at least 5,000 people who are homeless at any one time in Ireland with many more people now at risk of becoming homeless.

"The Christmas Tree Appeal pays for support and housing that changes lives and helps people to escape from homelessness. That is a Christmas present anybody could be proud to play a part in giving some family this year."