Commenting ahead of the night, Alan said: "I was shocked to realise that today there are over 5,000 people homeless in Ireland and that 1 in 3 is a child, a statistic that really hits home. I've signed up for 'Shine a Light Night' and hope to play my part in helping Focus Ireland provide vital prevention services which help change people's lives. I have committed to raise a minimum of €3,000 by Friday night and would really appreciate any support, every little helps. To support this cause, please visit https://www.justgiving.com/Alan-Bateson and help tackle this enormous issue in Ireland."
The Shine A Light Night event has raised €1.5-million since it was inaugurated in 2012, with the money going try and help break the cycle of homelessness by giving people access to information, housing, childcare and a range of education services throughout Dublin, Cork, Kilkenny, Limerick, Sligo, Waterford, Clare and Wexford.
More than 300 business leaders have signed up for the sleepouts.
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