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Electric Ireland announces new sponsorship with Pieta House
Electric Ireland announces new sponsorship with Pieta House
Stars of the hit RTÉ crime drama Love/Hate, Aoibhinn McGinnity and Peter Coonan, today (27th February) proved to be nothing like their characters Trish and Fran as they cheerfully turned out to launch the Darkness into Light fundraising walk in aid of Pieta House, the suicide and self-harm crisis centre. Taking place on Saturday, 11th of May and now in its fifth year, Darkness into Light will be supported this year by Electric Ireland.
Darkness into Light is a unique event which begins at 4.00am as thousands of people gather in the darkness at locations across Ireland and walk or run the 5km route as dawn is breaking. Following a record turnout of 15,000 people last year in 14 counties, this year’s Darkness into Light walk will take place at 20 locations nationwide.
“ESB have been great supporters of Pieta House’s work from the very beginning and we’re really excited to have their energy supply business Electric Ireland on board as the main sponsor of Darkness into Light this year,” said Joan Freeman, founder and CEO of Pieta House. “Darkness into Light represents hope and solidarity, and is symbolic of the work that we do; we bring people from darkness back into the light. We at Pieta House want to make 2013 the year that we halt the rise of suicide in Ireland and we’re doing all that we can to make this happen,” she added.
A unique experience for participants, Darkness into Light is also the most vital component of Pieta House’s fundraising calendar. As demand for Pieta House’s service continues to grow and with more than 80% of the organisation’s income depending on public donations, the funds raised during Darkness into Light are essential for Pieta House to continue to provide a free support service for the increasing numbers seeking help.
“At Electric Ireland, we understand the importance of bringing light into Ireland’s homes and communities, which is why we’re proud to support Pieta House’s Darkness into Light event,” said Brid Horan, Executive Director of Electric Ireland. “Sadly suicide remains a serious issue in Ireland today and we’re pleased to play a small part in raising awareness by supporting this worthwhile nationwide initiative. Darkness into Light is deeply embedded in towns across Ireland and it’s become an annual gathering where communities come together to show solidarity with others, support one another and, of course, to enjoy the fresh morning air,” she said.
Pieta House will open four new crisis centres this year in counties Cork, Galway, Tipperary and Kerry and will next month launch a major new nationwide campaign aimed at reducing the rate of male suicide.
Registration for Darkness into Light is available online now at www.pieta.ie.
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