The recent Radio NOVA Radiothon in aid of Focus Ireland raised a total of €50,520, well in excess of its target of €40,000.
“It’s a fantastic result. We are humbled by the huge amount of money donated over the last two days by our listeners as it’s far more than we ever thought possible. The money raised will make a real difference in tackling the social crisis of homelessness and everyone who donated, no matter how small, should be proud of themselves for taking the time to contribute,” says Kevin Brannigan, Radio NOVA’s CEO.
“We are facing a crisis of homelessness at this moment like we have never seen before. Three years ago we had a situation where maybe seven to eight families per month were falling in to homelessness. During the course of October/November last year, it was 80 families per month. Every day at Focus Ireland, we help one family move out of homelessness, but every day two new families are falling into it. Something like this Radiothon is so important for us on so many levels beyond all the money raised. The energy that you and your very generous Radio NOVA listeners give is such a boost. Knowing that the public supports the work that we do and are in solidarity with the people we are helping is so encouraging,” added Ashley Balbirnie, CEO of Focus Ireland.
Media providers from the worlds of print, digital, television, outdoor and cinema chipped in to provide cross-platform marketing for the Radiothon to produce a campaign worth around €350,000. They included the likes of PML Group, Wide Eyed Media, DMG Ireland, Setanta Sport TV, Electric Media and I-Believe.
According to Brannigan, people still have the opportunity to donate via the website (www.homelessradiothon.ie)
