The Big Busk for Focus Ireland took place nationwide on Friday last, March 7th with organised busking events staged in Cork, Limerick, Dublin and Galway.
Hundreds of performers from professional musicians to school choirs, orchestras, jazz artists and drumming groups took part in the event to raise funds for Focus Ireland’s vital homeless services. By 7pm on Friday, Today FM in partnership with Focus Ireland, had raised almost €240,000 for the nationwide charity working to end homelessness.
There are currently more than 15,000 people, including almost 5,000 children, experiencing homelessness in Ireland. Every day, Focus Ireland works tirelessly to help people experiencing or at risk of homelessness rebuild their lives. The charity provides essential support services, secure housing for families and individuals, and campaigns for systemic solutions to the homelessness and housing crisis nationwide.
Since 2022, The Big Busk for Focus Ireland, proudly supported by Today FM, has raised over €1 million in funds for Focus Ireland’s services nationwide.
On Big Busk Day, the 2 Johnnies attracted a huge crowd to Cork’s Marina Market where the popular podcasters performed ‘When I Play for the County’ live on Today FM’s Louise Cantillon show.
In Dublin, Today FM’s Ian Dempsey Breakfast Show broadcast live from Celtic Horizons Tours in Maynooth from 6am. The travel agency donated €21,000 to Focus Ireland to get Iano and his award winning breakfast team down to Kildare to broadcast live from their business where they were treated to a live performance by Limerick trio, Kingfisher.
EVERY DONATION MATTERS
Focus Ireland CEO, Pat Dennigan, expressed his gratitude for the support shown across the country.
"The Big Busk is a really fun way to raise funds for a really important issue that's affecting over 15,000 people in Ireland today. We're so grateful to everyone who came out to perform and support The Big Busk and we've been blown away by the musical talent. Every donation, no matter how big or small, will help Focus Ireland give families and individuals the support they need to find and keep a home for good."
DONATE
With the total funds raised still being counted and every contribution will go directly towards Focus Ireland’s essential services, including housing support, emergency accommodation, and prevention programmes that help families and individuals avoid the hardship of homelessness.
For further information or to donate, visit today.com/busk or use the Revolut app.
