Pat Kenny to support Dublin carol concert to help tackle homelessness

The Salvation Army in Dublin is gearing up for its Christmas carol concert fundraiser to help tackle homelessness in the city – this year supported by Ireland’s leading broadcaster Pat Kenny.

The annual event has been running for more than 10 years and has raised more than €30,000 for projects that support men and women experiencing homelessness.

This year's event takes place on Saturday 5 December at St Ann's Church (Dawson Street), and promises to bring an international flavour, recognising The Salvation Army’s 150th anniversary and celebrating its worldwide mission. There will be a first performance by an Indian Children’s Choir, contributions ‘from around the world’ and music from closer to home with the Rathmines Folk Group and The Salvation Army’s Belfast Sydenham Band and Dublin South community choir.

The free concert starts at 7 pm and members of the public are welcome to attend. A collection for the homelessness work of The Salvation Army in Dublin will be taken.

Last year's concert raised more than €2,000 and this year's event will support The Salvation Army’s Granby Centre, Lefroy House, and York House – which between them provide 200 beds for people of all ages – as well as St Bricins night shelter which has been providing emergency beds for 25 men every night since it opened in December 2014.

Major Stuart Dicker, leader of The Salvation Army’s Dublin city centre church, said: “This year The Salvation Army celebrates 150 years at the heart of communities, with 125 years in Dublin welcoming people and offering friendship, practical help and a listening ear.

“At our three centres and shelter in Dublin, we offer so much more than a safe place for people to sleep for the night. There, we support people as they work to get their lives back on track, offering activities and training to help improve their self-esteem, mental health and employment prospects.

“People who attend our carol services are always happy to give and their generosity helps us to continue our social work in Dublin.”

Kirsten Watters, The Salvation Army’s Regional Manager for Homelessness Services, said: “"Experiencing homelessness is a situation that could impact anyone at any point in life's journey. As a church and charity, we are grateful to the public for their continued support for our carol concert, we simply could not do the work we do without the generous donations we receive throughout the year. It is our central aim to reach out to people impacted by homelessness, to let them know that we will walk alongside them and help them get their life back on track – the money raised will go a long way to achieving this first step.”

For more information on the concert call Major Dicker on 0860 464 733.