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In front; Chloe O’Connor and Maura Walsh with, at back, Tina Lonergan, Julie Fitzpatrick, Marion Coffey, Caroline McConnell and Charlene Tydings, sleeping out for the Under The Elements event at Pearse Park on Saturday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
OVER 30 people slept out overnight in Pearse Park at the weekend to raise awareness of the homeless situation in the country.
Organised by Marion Coffey, Charlene Tydings, Julie Fitzpatrick, Marilyn O’Shea and Tina Lonergan, ‘Under The Elements’ took place between 6pm and 6am on Saturday/Sunday. Then on Sunday afternoon there was a family fun day in the Square to continue the fundraising.
Under The Elements was formed by the ladies following a Facebook post about the housing crisis by Marion Coffey which gained a lot of support and interest. It’s aim is to create awareness of the homelessness issue. Marion Coffey was very pleased with how the event went.
“There were about 30 of us who slept out for the whole night, including Cllr Toireasa Ferris. Mayor of Tralee, Terry O’Brien also popped down for a while, but no other politicians came down, maybe they were busy with other things. It stayed dry for the night too which helped. There was a great atmosphere and while we had a laugh, it’s by no means fun to have to sleep out,” said Marion.
Funds raised from the charity initiative – where adults paid €10 and teenagers €5 to register – will go to the homeless facility, Arlington Lodge and towards renovating a house for a person with disabilities.
The Family Fun Day in the Square took place on Sunday afternoon and featured Comic Book Heroes along with Face-painting and Kingdom Party Pals for the kids. There was also spot prizes – donated by local businesses – raffled off to lucky winners. Scroll down for photos…
Jade Sanderson, Geraldine Knightly and Kate O’Dowd at the Under The Elements Family Fun Day on Sunday afternoon in The Square. Photo by Dermot Crean
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Rebecca Hegarty with Conor and Thomas Boyle at the Under The Elements Family Fun Day on Sunday afternoon in The Square. Photo by Dermot Crean
John O’Connell with Lexi O’Connor and Adam O’Connell at the Under The Elements Family Fun Day on Sunday afternoon in The Square. Photo by Dermot Crean
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Charlene Tydings, Marilyn O’Shea, Julie Fitzpatrick and at back, Tina Lonergan at the Under The Elements Family Fun Day on Sunday afternoon in The Square. Photo by Dermot Crean
Minnie and Mickey from Kingdom Party Pals at the Under The Elements Family Fun Day on Sunday afternoon in The Square. Photo by Dermot Crean
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Comic Book Heroes perform at the Under The Elements Family Fun Day on Sunday afternoon in The Square. Photo by Dermot Crean
