To mark International Women's Day, we are launching our 'Back on your Feet' campaign and are calling on women to register to walk/jog/run in Flora Women's Mini Marathon on the 4th of June, helping to raise essential funds for Depaul Ireland's services for people who are homeless.
Depaul Ireland chose to launch the campaign on International Women's Day as the event celebrates the achievements and potential of women. This dedicated day for women is very appropriate to the women who reside in our services. Depaul Ireland offers them the opportunity to get back on their feet, fulfil their potential and make positive, informed decisions about their life.
To celebrate, the women will walk as runway models in Sundial House Fashion Show organized by volunteers of the project. Regardless of their severe health issues, the women are eager to get involved in the initiative and 'get back on their feet'!
This activity is a great addition to all the positive support women receive while at Sundial House. In preparation for International Women's Day the women participated in a number of activities which aimed to boost their confidence and develop their practical skills. Staff and volunteers organised pampering and relaxation sessions, a professional photo session, cooking classes, art classes, outings and a quiz night which informed about strong women and their choices.
Jakie Williams, a resident in Sundial House, is a bright example of a strong woman who experienced years of street homelessness and alcohol addiction. Now thanks to her willpower, motivation and the continual support of Depaul Ireland she has made positive choices in her life and has been out of drinking already for 12 weeks, which is a real challenge in a wet hostel. She plans to participate in weekly walks with volunteers in order to be ready for Flora Women's Mini Marathon. This will not only get her ready for the Mini Marathon, but will also provide a great social and active outlet supporting her in the choices she has made.
Participating in the mini marathon on behalf of Depaul Ireland will help us in our commitment to working with the most marginalised in society. Our projects are tailored towards flexibility, inclusiveness and tolerance and we offer accommodation and key services to people who many others struggle to work with, such as street drinkers, women in prison, families who others have given up on, and those with behavioural, self-harm and addiction problems.
The backgrounds of the people we work with are very different. Some people have been homeless since birth, while others suffer from an unexpected misfortune including mental health illness, addiction, domestic violence, family breakdown, and unemployment.
The essential funds generated from participating in the mini marathon will go towards supporting these people and the unique, tailored and essential services which we provide to them.
