Ireland’s biggest property companies are combining as cornerstone sponsors of a dragon boat racing fundraising event to raise over €300,000 for Dublin Simon Community and local charities.
Dragons at the Docks returns as a physical event on Thursday 01 September 2022, after two years of virtual events during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Since its launch in 2017, the dragon boat race fundraiser has raised over €1m for charity, with almost €700,000 going to Dublin Simon Community. The funds raised have helped to purchase 23 homes, allowing 26 adults and eight children to move out of homelessness and into permanent housing. Funds raised in 2022 could provide enough money to support the acquisition of around 10 new homes.
Dublin Simon Community uses an innovative funding model whereby every €25,000 provides enough capital to secure the acquisition of a one-bedroom apartment.
Anchor sponsors have more than doubled since 2017, with the following 14 companies now involved: Activate Capital, Avestus, Ballymore Group, BCP, Cairn Homes, Dalata, Glenveagh Properties, Henderson Park, Hibernia REIT, Hines, Ires Reit, Kennedy Wilson, Lioncor, and Quintain.
Speaking about the event, Sam McGuinness CEO of Dublin Simon Community said: “The Dragons at the Docks event organisers and participants have shown great enthusiasm and support over the years to help us acquire badly needed homes for people experiencing homelessness. The ambitious new fundraising goal will give even more people the chance to rebuild their lives and move out of homelessness into safe and secure homes.”
Kevin Nowlan, CEO, Hibernia REIT, said: “We are delighted to be able to hold the event properly this year after two years impacted by Covid. Interest in participating is bigger than ever and this year we’re raising our fundraising goal to €300,000, almost double what we raised when the event started in 2017. We encourage companies to get involved and enter a team for a great day of competition in the water and on the shore.”
Boats will launch from Capital Dock, Dublin. A team will comprise 11 competitors (10 rowers and a drummer), and each team member will receive a race pack, team t-shirt and entry to after race BBQ and entertainment.
More information can be found at https://www.dragonsatthedocks.ie/