Pictured: Pastors David and Helen Smyth present Suzanne Mc Cabe from Focus Ireland with the cheque.
NewsFour was on hand to witness the passing of a cheque for €500 from Abundant Grace Christian Assembly to Focus Ireland. Assembly members conducted a fast for 21 days, modelled on the fast of Daniel in Isaiah 58: 6-7. The cheque was handed over by Pastor Sharon Perry to Suzanne McCabe, Community Fundraiser for Focus Ireland.
Focus Ireland is a registered charity that specialises in the prevention of homelessness. The charity is celebrating its 30th birthday this year, having been initially set up by Sister Stanislaus Kennedy. The organisation has come a long way since its humble beginnings as a coffee shop on Eustace Street, which is still in existence.
Focus’s services include long and short-term accommodation, education and training, childcare and information drop-in services, among many others.
“For every euro we receive, 89 cent goes directly to our services,” Suzanne McCabe told NewsFour. “People are extremely generous, so I have a lovely job of going out and meeting new people.”
The event took place in the Church’s Restored Café in Ringsend, and it was Pastor Sharon who got in touch with Focus Ireland with regards to the objective of their fast.
On the three Sundays spanning the 21 days, baskets were laid out in the church for donations, which initially amounted to €305, with Abundant Grace filling in the rest.
Pastor Sharon told NewsFour that the goals of her Assembly naturally correlated with those of Focus, and thus the partnership was a perfect match. Each person’s fast was different, to cater to a particular lifestyle, with some avoiding meat, drink and even TV for the duration!
“Part of our ministry is to the homeless,” Pastor Sharon said. “What we do here in Restored is we provide a service to our local community and try to provide affordable clothing and furniture.”
By Craig Kinsella
