WEALTH September 7, 2026 0 Comments

How Sisk’s Unexpected Move in Sponsoring Focus Ireland’s Shine A Light Sleepout Could Spark a Major Shift in Corporate Social Responsibility

Ever wonder what it takes for a big-name company to step out of their comfort zone — and out into the cold, quite literally — to champion a cause as pressing as homelessness? Well, Sisk has taken that bold leap, becoming the proud sponsor of Focus Ireland’s Shine a Light fundraising sleepout happening this October 9th, right before World Homelessness Day. It’s more than just a corporate tick-box or PR move; Sisk and its people are rolling up their sleeves (and grabbing their sleeping bags) to shine a real beacon on an issue affecting over 17,500 people in emergency accommodation across Ireland, including thousands of children. As the fundraising goal hits a hefty €1.2 million, this isn’t just about raising money — it’s about inspiring businesses, schools, and communities to rally together for lasting change. After all, how often does a company show the grit to sleep out in solidarity — to literally walk a mile in someone else’s shoes? Let’s dive into how Sisk is using its influence and heart to help steer families from crisis to stability, proving that when businesses unite with purpose, the impact can be truly transformative. LEARN MORE

Sisk has been announced as the sponsor of Focus Ireland‘s Shine a Light fundraising sleepout.

Taking place on Friday, 9 October, on the eve of World Homelessness Day, Shine a Light calls on business leaders, companies, schools and communities to sleep out for one night and raise vital funds to support children and families without a home.

Focus Ireland aims to raise €1.2m with this year’s campaign to support its frontline services, as demand continues to rise.

There are currently 17,527 people living in emergency accommodation in Ireland, including 5,659 children. Children now account for more than a third of people experiencing homelessness.

Research shows that children living in emergency accommodation are at increased risk of anxiety, developmental delays, and disrupted education.

Families housed in emergency hubs often move between multiple temporary locations, leading to instability, isolation, and loss of community ties for parents and children.

The average stay in emergency accommodation for a family is now more than a year, with many families remaining in emergency accommodation for significantly longer.

Sisk has supported Focus Ireland for the past seven years, and staff members have taken the Shine A Light challenge, hosting workplace sleepouts at the company’s Citywest offices.

As the new Shine A Light sponsor, Sisk is now encouraging its people, partners, customers and communities to unite to raise awareness and vital funds to support Focus Ireland and help families move out of homelessness and into secure, long-term homes.

“We’re delighted to welcome Sisk as a valued partner in our work to end homelessness. Their continued commitment through Shine A Light really shows what’s possible when businesses step up and get involved,” said Pat Dennigan, CEO of Focus Ireland.

“The way they’ve embraced the Workplace Sleep Out has been hugely inspiring, setting a brilliant example of how teams can come together, make an impact, and truly live their values through corporate social

responsibility. We’re excited to keep building on this partnership and achieve even more together through the next chapter of Shine A Light.”

Commenting on the announcement, Maura Toles, Sisk group company secretary/chief legal officer, said: “Homelessness is a challenge none of us can solve alone, but together we can make a real difference.

“Our message to other organisations is simple: get involved. When businesses come together and use their people, resources and influence to support Shine A Light, we can give more children and families the chance to leave homelessness behind forever.

“Through our support of Shine A Light, we’re helping to shine a light on family homelessness while backing services that provide children with opportunities to thrive.

“Our goal is not only to support families through crisis, but to help them achieve lasting stability and move into a home of their own. That’s why we’re committed to doing more and encouraging others to join us in making a difference.

“This October, we’re encouraging companies, community groups, schools, and individuals to join us and take part in Shine A Light. Together, we can help ensure more children have the support, stability, and opportunities they need to build brighter futures.”

Focus Ireland is hosting Shine A Light sleepout events in Cork and Dublin on Friday 9 October. The events bring business leaders, companies, schools and communities together for one night of solidarity to help prevent homelessness and support children, families and individuals who urgently need a safe place to call home.

Groups and individuals can also sign up to ‘Host Your Own’ Shine A Light event.

Focus Ireland Shine A Light Events:

Cork City Gaol – Business Leaders, Corporate & Community
TU Dublin Grangegorman, Dublin – Corporate only
Iveagh Gardens, Dublin – Business Leaders only

Sisk Focus Ireland — (l-r) Jesse Wiseblatt, Focus Ireland Director of Fundraising & Marketing, Maura Toles, Sisk Group Company Secretary and Chief Legal Officer, and Pat Dennigan, Focus Ireland CEO.

Community ‘Host Your Own’ Events:

Crescent Shopping Centre, Limerick – Community Sleep Out organised by the Limerick Shine A Light Volunteer Committee
Sligo Rovers Football Club, Sligo – Community Sleep Out organised by volunteers
Corporate, School & Community ‘Host Your Own’ events – organisations and groups nationwide can organise their own sleep out.

To register or learn more about Shine A Light, visit shinealight.focusireland.ie.

Photo: Pictured making the announcement are Maura Toles, Sisk Group Company Secretary and Chief Legal Officer, and Pat Dennigan, Focus Ireland CEO. (Pic: Johnny Savage)