On Saturday, 18th of April the "Social Distance Digital Relay" kicked off at 7am in different places around the world. The event was organised to raise much needed funds for Pieta House, following the cancellation of the annual Darkness Into Light fundraising walk. More than €75k has been raised to date, with donations accepted on the GoFundMe page until this Sunday, 26th of April.
If contributing to the brilliant Pieta House is not enough, there will also be prizes up for grabs to those who donate. All donors will be entered into a raffle to win variety of prizes.
Prizes include:
– Signed men’s Leinster Rugby Jersey
– Signed Dublin GAA Men’s football jersey
– 2 x 5 class passes for Perpetua Fitness
– €50 Just Eat voucher
– Brew Box coffee hamper
– Signed copy of “Eat Up Raise Your Game” by Daniel Davey
The event ran from 7am to 8pm, from all corners of Ireland, to Australia, London to California, Canada to New Zealand. A concept that started in a WhatsApp group that grew to an international community to accomplish incredible fundraising for a worthy cause.
The digital relay saw a new participant take the baton every hour/30mins and walk/run/cycle – covering as much distance as possible in their time. The baton then passed to the next team member as the day progressed right up until 8pm.
The efforts made in Ireland to raise money for Pieta House have been staggering. Prior to the Social Distance Digital Relay, Irish influencer, Louise Cooney spoke out about Pieta House and the impact the cancellation of the Darkness Into Light walk would have on the organisation. Highlighting the great work they do, she started fundraising on GoFundMe and has raised over €74k.
Combining the two efforts, Pieta House will be sure to see over €150k raised. If you would like to support these initiatives or make a contribution, follow the highlighted links above.
About Pieta House:
Last year 8,048 people came through our doors for suicide, self-harm, and bereaved by suicide services and they have reached over 59,529 people since their doors first opened in 2006. In 2019 alone, there were 13,705 phone calls answered and 31,139 text messages replied to via their 24 hour helpline services. Without Darkness Into Light they are asking the public for support to ensure our services can be sustained during this difficult time.
If you need to talk, contact:
Pieta House 1800 247 247 (suicide, self-harm; 24/7 support)
Samaritans 116 123
Aware 1800 80 48 48 (depression, anxiety)
Teen-Line Ireland 1800 833 634 (for ages 13 to 19)
Childline 1800 66 66 66 (for under 18s)
