'Tri' raises vital funds at the Focus Ireland Fundraising Triathlon!

150 brave participants donned their swimming, cycling and running gear at Grand Canal Square in Dublin's Docklands on the bank holiday weekend to take part in the Focus Ireland Fundraising Triathlon supported by Dublin's Q102.

The Focus Ireland Triathlon is the only event of its kind to take place right in the heart of Dublin. Now in its fifth year, it has raised almost half a million euros since 2005 to help fund Focus Irelands' work to combat and prevent homelessness.

The event is a sprint distance challenge which includes a 750m swim in Grand Canal's outer basin, a 20km lapped cycle of Dublin City's historic quays and a 5km run.

Waterways Ireland, who own and manage the Grand Canal Basin facilitated the event through the provision of booms lining the swim course. One of the key aspects of Waterways Ireland remit is to support increased use of the waterways, and this event on the Grand Canal is an ideal fit for both organisations.

Focus Ireland's Fundraising Director, Mark Mellett said, "Fundraisers like these are great fun for the participants and also raise vital funds to help Focus Ireland to continue to provide quality services and campaign on behalf of the most vulnerable in society. The money raised by this event helps us to support many families and single people and to meet their housing and support needs and also hopefully reduce the impact the current economic climate is having on them."

People can play their part by signing up to one of our other challenges such as the Focus Ireland Four Peaks Challenge or UK 3 Peaks Challenge both taking place in September or by making a donation at www.focusireland.ie."

Mr. Mellett added, "Focus Ireland raised €5.7 million from fundraising events, donations and corporate support in 2008. These funds went towards our work to provide support services to up to 6,000 people each year and to help achieve our aim to settle 2010 households by 2010."

To sponsor a participant at the Focus Ireland Fundraising Triathlon, or to sign up for the Four Peaks Challenge or to find out more about the Challenge Series, Focus Ireland supporters can email events@focusireland.ie or phone 01-881 5900. Alternatively they can log on to www.focusireland.ie and click on the fundraising events section.

Every year 100 volunteers attend the event to ensure that each element of the Triathlon runs smoothly into the next and to support the participants to reach the finish line. Focus Ireland would like to extend their gratitude to Q102, the Gardaí, Dublin City Council, Waterways Ireland and the Dublin Docklands Development Authority who have supported the event.