Blathnaid said: “Focus Ireland works hard to support people every day and not just at Christmas time, but they depend on donations now more than ever to raise funds so services can cope with the constantly rising demand. It would be great if people got behind this new campaign.”

As over one million people a week head home on the train from a regular day at work or from shopping, they are making a journey home.  Part of the new campaign means commuters now have the option of making a donation (Starting at €2) to support Focus Ireland’s work when they are booking a train ticket online at www.irishrail.ie

This is something which is not possible for everyone across Ireland. Focus Ireland, with the backing of Iarnród Éireann, are committed to changing this shocking reality. This Iarnród Éireann backed partnership comes as there are now a record total total of 8,492 people homeless in Ireland.  A shocking total of 3,124 are children, that is a rise of more than 25% in less than a year.

This #Home4Christmas initiative will raise vital funds to help in the successful delivery of frontline services, and help to build further public awareness on this issue and support for the work of Focus Ireland.

During December, choirs, musicians and volunteers will be in Heuston Station, Connolly Station and Pearse Station to raise funds and awareness and we are asking if commuters have any spare change while passing through that they donate.

Iarnród Éireann’s Corporate Communications Manager – Barry Kenny said: “We are committed to getting our customers home this Christmas, but with 8,492 people homeless across Ireland we know there are men, women and children who will not have a home for Christmas.

Barry Kenny added: “Focus Ireland prevents people from falling into homelessness, and helps those impacted. We are delighted to help Focus Ireland and its customers. Focus Ireland manages to secure a home for one family every day but sadly that same day two to three more families – and other individuals – become homeless.

“Iarnród Éireann is proud to be supporting Focus Ireland’s work and we hope this campaign will help the charity’s work to support more families to make the journey home.”

As part of this innovative partnership Iarnród Éireann are generously providing

• Advertising on DARTs, in train stations across the country in conjunction with their advertising agency Exterion Media Ireland.
• Advertisements on television screens in Connolly Station, Heuston Station, Pearse Station and Busaras.
• Editorial support through the Go Rail Publication, Iarnród Éireann website and social media.
• Donation opportunities on their website for commuters when purchasing tickets
• Complimentary tickets for families who Focus Ireland have supported through homelessness on the Santa Steam train via Railway Preservation Society of Ireland
• As part of this support, volunteer choirs and bucket collectors will be given the opportunity to be in stations to collect donations and sell branded Focus Ireland wristbands.

Focus Ireland Communications & Advocacy Manager – Roughan MacNamara – said “All of us can sometimes take our own home for granted.  Not everyone has this security.  Almost 40% of the overall homeless, or a shocking total of 3,194 are children. Behind these heart-breaking statistics are real people with very real experiences.  When people are booking their train ticket home for Christmas with Iarnród Éireann they now have the chance to make a donation online to support our work to help others to make their own journey home and leave homelessness behind.”

Focus Ireland supports over 13,500 people each year that are homeless or at risk of losing their home.  The charity also provides over 820 homes nationwide.  Focus Ireland has managed to support over 700 families to secure a home so they will now be #Home4Christmas