The Darkness into Light fundraising walk in aid of Pieta House, the suicide and self-harm crisis centre will take place on Saturday May 11 in Westport. This year Darkness into Light will be supported this year by Electric Ireland.
Darkness into Light begins at 4am as thousands of people gather in darkness at locations across Ireland and walk or run the 5km route as dawn is breaking. Following a record turnout of 15,000 people last year in 14 counties, this year’s Darkness into Light walk will take place at 20 locations nationwide.
“ESB have been great supporters of Pieta House’s work from the very beginning and we’re really excited to have their energy supply business Electric Ireland on board as the main sponsor of Darkness into Light this year,” said Joan Freeman, founder and CEO of Pieta House. “Darkness into Light represents hope and solidarity, and is symbolic of the work that we do; we bring people from darkness back into the light. We at Pieta House want to make 2013 the year that we halt the rise of suicide in Ireland and we’re doing all that we can to make this happen,” she said.
A unique experience for participants, Darkness into Light is also the most vital component of Pieta House’s fundraising calendar. As demand for Pieta House’s service continues to grow and with more than 80 per cent of the organisation’s income depending on public donations, the funds raised during Darkness into Light are essential for Pieta House to continue to provide a free support service for the increasing numbers seeking help.
Pieta House will open four new crisis centres this year in counties Cork, Galway, Tipperary and Kerry and will next month launch a major new nationwide campaign aimed at reducing the rate of male suicide. Registration for Darkness into Light is available online now at www.pieta.ie
