The Community Foundation for Ireland is one of the country's largest philanthropic organisations and today, it awarded Bord Gáis Energy with the Corporate Philanthropist of the Year Award for its partnership with homeless charity, Focus Ireland.
Since 2015, Bord Gáis Energy has committed €1.2 million (£1.0 million) to help prevent family homelessness. This has supported over 5,180 families in need of support and preventative services. Through fundraising and volunteering, an additional €100,000 (£87,000) has been raised by our people. This included the Shine a Light Business Leader Sleepout, the Christmas FM telethon and organising the Focus Ireland Christmas party for families living in emergency accommodation.
Watch this video to hear how the partnership between Bord Gáis Energy and Focus Ireland has helped those most in need:
Tina Roche, CEO, The Community Foundation for Ireland said “Philanthropy is from both the head and the heart; it is truly planned giving. It focuses on results, on the longer term and on the sustainable. We hope that these winners will inspire others to come forward and adopt a more strategic and sustained approach to giving”.
Mark Prentice, Managing Director (Interim), Bord Gáis Energy said, “Focus Ireland provides an invaluable service in helping families, young people and children affected by homelessness. As a business, our partnership with Focus Ireland over the last three years has not only provided financial support but also practical support through staff volunteering that continues to help alleviate family homelessness. We are incredibly proud to support such a worthy cause and it’s great to see our entire team embrace such an important partnership.”
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