Pieta House calls on companies to donate €1k to help save ‘a life a day’
By Mary Dennehy
LAST year in Ireland more than a life a day was lost to suicide, with Pieta House calling on companies to donate €1,000 to “reduce this number one day at a time”.
The charity has announced a new fundraising initiative aimed at corporates, businesses and SME’s to refocus their love and save ‘a life a day’ by donating €1,000 this Valentine’s Day.
Pieta House's new premises in Tallaght
By sponsoring a life for €1,000, companies will fund a full counselling programme for one vulnerable individual suffering from feelings of hopelessness or despair.
Starting in Lucan back in 2006, Pieta House, which has worked with more than 44,000 people, provides free and accessible, professional services to people who are in suicidal crisis or are self-harming.
In 2018, alone, over 7,400 came through the charity’s doors – which, employing over 270 therapists and administrative staff, has 15 centres nationwide.
This year, Pieta House is aiming to raise €1,000 from 365 companies to reach their target of €365k to save a life a day.
Kieran Brady, Director of Funding and Advocacy in Pieta House, said: “We’re extremely passionate about life saving work here in Pieta House and we rely heavily on our volunteers, friends and fellow organisations to support and encourage initiatives such as A Life a Day.
“According to official statistics from the CSO, more than 392 lives were lost to suicide in 2017, a figure which relates to more than one life a day.
“The average age of a Pieta House service user is under 30 so we’re calling on corporates, businesses and SME’s to be proactive and protect the wellbeing of their employees by supporting the fight against suicide.
“By donating just €1,000, you’ll be directly impacting a life that might be otherwise lost to suicide.”
The charity launched its new fundraising initiative in the run-up to St Valentine’s Day, and asked people to refocus the love.
Businesses can get further information or get involved HERE.
Providing 24/7 support, Pieta House can be contacted via the Freephone helpline 1800 247 247, or text HELP to 51444.
