Sodexo’s €10,000 ‘Shine’

Employees of workplace services provider Sodexo Ireland raised over €10,000 for the 2023 Focus Ireland “Shine A Light” night on Friday 13th October, bringing the total amount raised to over €45,000 in the past five years. Funds raised by the employees go towards the charity’s coffee shop in Dublin city centre, and this year’s contribution will be used to provide nutritious meals, advice and information to around 100 clients of Focus Ireland.

Pictured are: (back row l/r) Michael Galkin, general services manager; Owen Roddy, health and safety lead; Declan Murphy, technical services director; Alaistair Armstrong, account manager; David Fox, managing director and Donal Donnelly, head of finance.  Front row, l/r: Deirdre Saunders, divisional director;  Susan Creedon, brand and comms manager; Lynn Carson, account manager; Joeanne Kenny, regional legal counsel; Rhian O’Riordan, HR business partner; Julianne Forrestal, food transformation director and Glen Stewart, regional development chef.

For “Shine A Light” night, a team of employees from all over Ireland joined Managing Director David Fox to sleep outdoors in the Wicklow mountains. The leadership and account teams within Sodexo organised activities including Halloween wreath making, a sponsored cycle and bake sales to boost the fundraising efforts.

Operating 365 days a year, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, the Focus Ireland coffee shop ensures people affected by homelessness with no access to hot meals can be catered for in a safe, secure and welcoming environment.

Focus Ireland takes great care in designing its coffee shop menus to make sure healthy, balanced and nutritious meals are provided for its customers. The meals are heavily subsidised with fundraising from companies like Sodexo, with meat, vegetarian and vegan options offered. 

David Fox said:

“Shine a Light Night is a timely reminder of what some individuals and families must face every single day in Ireland. Sodexo is committed to enhancing the capacity and capabilities for those more vulnerable in our communities and works towards creating equity for all.”