Kilkenny’s early risers asked to support Pieta House’s sunrise appeal
The good people of Kilkenny are being asked to get up at the dawn on Saturday to help raise funds for Pieta House.
The annual dawn walk Darkness Into Light, the main annual fundraiser for the suicide charity, cannot take place as normal because of the Covid-19 restrictions.
Instead, people are being asked to take part in a “sunrise” appeal where they’re invited to watch the sun rise at 5.30am on Saturday morning from the comfort of their own homes and to make a donation to the Pieta House charity.
Recent research revealed that one in five Irish people are suffering from depression, so the need for Pieta’s lifesaving services has never been greater as Covid-19 impacts not only on the nation’s physical health but its mental health, too.
With less than two days to go to the appeal, former Kilkenny hurler and Darkness Into Light ambassador Tommy Walsh is encouraging people to donate what they can and come together while remaining apart by getting up at 5.30am to watch the sun rise.
“I’m honoured to be an ambassador for the Darkness Into Light sunrise appeal. I encourage everyone to get out of bed at 5.30am and wear yellow to show support to those struggling with their mental health.
“As the restrictions in Ireland continue, the role that Pieta plays in the lives of its service users is becoming increasingly important as many people continue to feel alone and isolated in quarantine.
“It is vital that we support them so that they can keep their centres open and continue to provide their essential services,” said Tommy.
Join the conversation online using the hashtags #DIL2020 #DILSunriseAppeal and make a life-saving donation at www.darknessintolight.ie.
Meanwhile, a Waterford TD is calling on the Government to provide financial support to a mental health charity forced to let go staff following the cancellation of their main annual fundraiser due to Covid-19.
Sinn Féin’s David Cullinane is asking for state intervention to save 28 clinical support workers jobs at the Pieta House Charity, the beneficiary of the annual Darkness into Light Campaign
The charity said it is facing a very significant funding gap of around €6.5 million due to the cancellation of Darkness into Light.
Pictured: Hannah Tyrell, Irish rugby international and former Pieta service user, pictured near her home. Hannah, with Electric Ireland and Pieta, urges everyone to support the sunrise appeal and sharing their sunrise moments online. Pic: Andres Poveda
