CURRENTLY, homelessness has reached a distressing pinnacle in Ireland, with a total exceeding 13,840 individuals, including 4,170 children, living in homelessness. In response to this urgent crisis, the Big Busk for Focus Ireland is slated for this Friday, April 12, aiming to raise vital funds to support homeless services and work towards eradicating homelessness altogether.
Focus Ireland is rallying musicians, choirs, buskers, community groups, and schools to join forces with the Big Busk, lending their talents to combat the escalating homelessness epidemic.
The Big Busk returns to Limerick, hosting the event at the Crescent Shopping Centre from 10am to 7pm, offering everyone in Limerick and beyond an opportunity to contribute to the fight against homelessness. Entertaining the customers will be Capriccio String Quartet, Clodagh Lawlor, Limerick School Of Music Big Band and many more.
Leading the charge this year is TodayFM presenter and proud Limerick native, Louise Cantillon, she urges all in Limerick to participate in this impactful initiative.
“Táimid ar bís! We are so excited for The Big Busk for Focus Ireland; it’s going to be the best one yet! All of us in Today FM have a big circle around April 12, the Big Busk date, on our calendars, and we want you to mark off this date as well!
“We’re calling on all buskers of all abilities across the country to get involved and raise much-needed funds for Focus Ireland. So, más rud é go bhfhuil ceol agat, seo do dheis, we would love you to warm up those vocal cords, tune those guitars and bígí linn, join us for year three of The Big Busk for Focus Ireland! Beidh sé deadlaí! “
Support the cause at todayfm.com/busk
This year, an addition to the fundraiser aims to elevate its impact. Focus Ireland, in collaboration with Today FM, will unveil the ‘Super Focused SetList’ in the week preceding The Big Busk. This unique selection of songs, curated by those who have experienced homelessness, will convey the highs and lows of their journey, offering a glimpse into life before, during, and after homelessness through beloved music and melodies.
Already, requests for songs such as ‘Better Days’ by Dermot Kennedy, ‘Learning to Fly’ by Tom Petty, ‘Raglan Road’ by Luke Kelly, and ‘Wish You Were Here’ by Pink Floyd have poured in.
Driven by the core belief that homelessness is fundamentally unjust, Focus Ireland is dedicated to preventing and resolving homelessness. With over 100 support services nationwide, Focus Ireland strives to provide immediate assistance while working towards sustainable, long-term solutions to help individuals secure housing and overcome homelessness permanently.
