New Focus Ireland Mrbi Survey

Wednesday, 25th April 2012

New Focus Ireland Mrbi Survey Shows That 71% Of Waterford People Have Taken Part In A Charity Event

A NEW MRBI survey for Focus Ireland has shown that a massive 71% of big-hearted Waterford people have taken part in an event to raise vital funds for charity at some point in their lives.

Focus Ireland issued the results of the survey as it called for people to sign up for the Focus Ireland Four Peaks Challenge which sees teams climb the highest peak in each of the four provinces over one weekend. Participants have an opportunity to take part in either June or September in 2012 with both events aiming to raise a combined total of over €500,000 in vital funds for Focus Ireland.

The survey also found that a total of 51% of Waterford people have made the effort in the last year to help raise money for hard-pressed charities as the impact of the recession on families and single people deepens in local communities nationwide.

The Four Peaks Challenge supported by 100-102 Today FM - takes place on two weekends in 2012: June 8th -10th and September 14th – 16th. During the Four Peaks Challenge participants strive to climb the highest mountain in each of the four provinces - Carrauntoohil in Kerry, followed by Mweelrea in Mayo, Slieve Donard in Down and finally Lugnaquilla in Wicklow.

Each Four Peaks Challenge team is made up of between three and five walkers plus two drivers. The Four Peaks Challenge weekends are Focus Ireland’s flagship fundraising events and Focus Ireland is hoping to raise over €500,000 from both challenges. This money is vital to help fund Focus Ireland’s work to support people who are homeless - and many thousands more at risk of losing their home. A total of 90 cents out of every euro raised goes directly to support the charity’s crucial support services and housing programmes.

Each team taking part in the Four Peaks has to raise €3,800 in sponsorship which works out at €633 per person in a team of six.

The charity said it urgently needs the funds to help it cope with the growing demand for its support services which work to combat and prevent homelessness nationwide.

The charity highlighted that there are up to 5,000 people homeless at any one time in Ireland and a shocking one in seven using homeles services is a child.

Focus Ireland Ambassador TV3's Kirsteen O’Sullivan said: "I woul encourage everyone, whether you have done something like this before or not, to sign up and get training now for the fantastic adventure of the Four Peaks Challenge."

She added: "People of all fitness levels can take part and have a great time and also be assured that the money raised makes a huge difference to people’s lives as it helps to support people who are homeless and many more who are now facing a real risk of losing their homes."

The new Focus Ireland survey also found a keen interest in people taking part in a challenge event for charity (i.e. a sponsored walk/fun run/Triathlon/Marathon etc.) with just under 50% of people in Waterford having taken part/or intending to take part in just such an event.

A total of 70% of people took part in these events solely to raise money for charity but just under 30% did it to help improve their fitness and to also lose weight.

Meanwhile, David Niblock of Focus Ireland Waterford said: "The brave teams that have taken part in this adventure over the years have great stories to tell about the climbs, the high spirits, the encouragement, the breathtaking scenery and of course the challenges they faced and overcame."

"There are other greater challenges faced by many in society, as over the last couple of years many families and individuals have been faced with the challenge of losing their job. Many have been hit by pay freezes or cuts and find themselves in mortgage arrears. People in the rented market have actually lost their home for these reasons and others."

He continued: "We work hard in Focus Ireland Waterford to provide services and housing that are needed now more than ever to help people move on from homelessness and to prevent many more from ever becoming homeless."

"The reality is that Focus Ireland depends on events like the Four Peaks to bring in the vital funds to support people to move on in life. If people have been thinking about doing something to put themselves to the test while raising money for a good cause I would encourage them to sign up to the Four Peaks."