A Co Monaghan school is raising awareness to help the homeless. Over 70 TY students from Beech Hill College slept outside on Thursday in a bid to raise much needed funds for national homeless charity Focus Ireland, through the annual 'Shine a Light' initiative.
As a result of their efforts, the school has raised over €1,400 euro so far. Siobhán Sheerin, Deputy Principal of Beech Hill College has since outlined her pride for the group following Thursday's sleep-out initiative. "We're very proud of our TY students, they're always thinking of others and those who are less fortunate than themselves so it was no surprise when they approached us about getting involved with this initiative," she told Northern Sound. Speaking to Northern Sound, TY student Oisin Rankin said it was important for him to get involved in a fundraising project which was close to his heart. Oisin says that homelessness is not just as issue for urban areas and that many people across rural communities like Co Monaghan are facing the same difficulties."
Speaking to Northern Sound, Oisin said that it's important for people to "give back" and to help support those who are less fortunate in anyway they can, "We're happy that we can help, but it's still very disappointing to know that this is still a growing trend in Ireland and it's important to do what we can." Donations can still be made via Beech Hill College.
