'Money raised locally, stays locally'

One of the social highlights of the year has been announced.

Cork Simon Community, which supports hundreds of vulnerable men and women facing homelessness alone each year, this week launched their 2026 Annual Fundraising Ball to raise funds for its life-changing services.

The number of people being pushed into homelessness in Cork and Kerry has increased significantly over the past 12 months.

According to the Department of Housing, in December there were 799 men and women depending on emergency accommodation in the southwest - a 25% increase in a single year. Cork Simon Community continues to meet this growing need. Funding is vital to maintain services and bridge the gap between government funding and the cost of running services.

Dermot Kavanagh, CEO at Cork Simon Community said: “The Annual Fundraising Ball is a crucial event in our calendar each year as it stands alone as our most important fundraising event. The Cork community, businesses and companies always show up and demonstrate their commitment to supporting an inclusive Cork that looks after the most vulnerable people.”

He added: “The money raised locally, stays locally. The staggering 25% increase in men and women stuck in emergency accommodation in the southwest at the end of 2025 highlights the increased pressure on all our services. We look forward to welcoming attendees to this year's ball - a sell-out every year, as we continue to strengthen partnerships in 2026. We are extremely grateful for the continued support of the businesses and people of Cork.”

Cork Simon’s Annual Fundraising Ball takes place at Fota Island Resort on Friday 17 April. The ball is the Community’s single biggest fundraising event each year, raising almost €250,000 in 2025, and more than €1.9 million since it began.

Cork Simon’s Annual Fundraising Ball is organised by a voluntary committee of local business leaders. This year’s event is supported by a number of returning Cork-based sponsors including EZ Living Interiors, Keane’s Jewellers and Heineken Ireland.

Barbara-Anne Richardson, Corporate Affairs Manager at Heineken said: “Cork Simon’s tireless work to help men and women experiencing homelessness has a huge impact on the Cork community. We look forward to raising much needed funds at this year's ball, an event we have been involved with since its inception.”