Christmas appeal by Shamrock Rovers FC and Focus Ireland

SHAMROCK Rovers FC is partnering with Focus Ireland this Christmas to help the 12 Days of Christmas Voucher Appeal, reports Jenna Schweikert.

This Christmas, Shamrock Rovers fans can purchase online gift vouchers that will be distributed by Focus Ireland to those they have identified as being in need of some support.

The collection started on November 27 and will run until Saturday, December 9.

John Martin, CEO of Shamrock Rovers, said: “We are delighted to partner with Focus Ireland for the 12 Days of Christmas voucher appeal.

“Based in Tallaght village, Focus Ireland do extraordinary work in the community, driving meaningful change and taking on the challenge of homelessness.

“Christmas is a time for family, particularly children, and sadly the number of families in emergency accommodation means that Christmas is a time of great difficulty and suffering for them.

“Shamrock Rovers are passionate about supporting this cause and are proud to partner with Focus Ireland to try help those who have lost everything.

“We urge those who can help with this appeal to make it a better Christmas for those less fortunate.

“Please support this initiative as every voucher received will make a real difference.”

Focus Ireland works to end homelessness through supporting the ever-increasing number of at-risk or homeless singles, couples and families and lobbying local and national governments.

Figures recently published by the Department of Housing estimate there are currently 4,000 unhoused children alone, a figure Focus Ireland says is “disgraceful”.

On behalf of Focus Ireland, Tara Heffernan, Team Leader at Focus Ireland, Tallaght said: “We are grateful that Shamrock Rovers has chosen to support our service and are delighted to be working in partnership with them this year on their ‘12 Days of Christmas’ Voucher Appeal.

“Your support will directly help the people that we work with, many of whom have lost everything, and will bring them a little hope and joy this Christmas.”

Online gift vouchers can be purchased from any of the retailers via the club website HERE (Smyths Toys, Dunnes Stores, Penneys, Shamrock Rovers).

Voucher emails received from the retailer can be forwarded to info@shamrockrovers.ie, who will then collate them and pass them to Focus Ireland at the end of the appeal.

Finally, Focus Ireland will distribute to those in need.