Download the 2002 Annual report here - Focus Ireland

The pressure on Focus Ireland to
generate a substantial amount of our
own income increases every year.
Despite uncertain economic times we
have continued to achieve our everincreasing
targets. In 2002 we raised
a total of €2.75 million - up 28% on
the previous year. The majority of
this income came from individual
donors, whose support continues to
be invaluable. Without this
commitment much of our work would
not be possible. It not only facilitates
us in running our day-to-day services
but also gives us the confidence to
expand so that we can meet the
needs of clients into the future.
Committed Giving
More people than ever joined Focus
Ireland in 2002 as committed givers
by standing order or direct debit,
contributing €384,000. We are
especially grateful to those who were
able to support us at the level of
€21 a month, or €250 a year. It
meant we can avail of the tax reclaim
facility which will be worth about
€100,000 for 2002.
TV Appeal
In November 2002, with
sponsorship from permanent tsb, we
launched our first ever television
campaign to raise public awareness,
recruit direct debit donors, and
encourage support for our Christmas
campaign. Titled "Against the Tide",
the 60-second advert depicted a
young mother and her two children
struggling against a crowd that could
not see or hear them. It aimed to
highlight the plight of the hundreds
of "invisible" homeless families
living in B&B accommodation.
Everyone involved in the ad,
including the ad agency, production
company, editing house, crew and
actors - all donated their services. It
was a gesture, we believe, which
demonstrates the high regard in
which the work of Focus Ireland is
held. Even our staff and local donors
got in on the act by performing as
extras for the day.
Pennies from Heaven
Focus Ireland was one of 11 charities
to benefit from the euro changeover
campaign, ‘Pennies from Heaven’.
Thanks to this massive endeavour and
the incredible support of the Irish
public, each charity received
€495,000, €200,000 of which was
received by Focus Ireland in 2002.
The remainder was paid in 2003.
Christmas Tree Campaign
The first ever "Focus Ireland
Christmas Tree for the Homeless"
campaign captured the imagination
of the public and businesses alike.
Dublin City Council kindly allowed
Focus Ireland to dedicate the
Grafton Street Christmas Tree to the
homeless of Ireland, and companies
purchased stars on the tree, raising
€170,000.
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