Charity to hold Christmas sleep-out in Waterford to raise funds for homeless veterans

The Irish veterans’ charity ONE is appealing to Waterford people to support its Christmas Sleep Out to raise awareness and vital funds for homeless Defence Forces Veterans.

The organisation has announced details of the event which will take place in Waterford city early next week.

Led by ONE South Tipperary and the ONE Band of Sisters, the event will take place from 9am on Monday, December 23 until 6pm on Christmas Eve. During this time, participants will brave the winter weather to demonstrate the challenges homeless Veterans endure daily, especially during the colder months of the year.

Funds raised during the event will go directly towards supporting ONE’s critical services, which provide a lifeline for Veterans in crisis.

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Speaking ahead of the fundraising event, Cormac Kirwan, ONE’s CEO, Cormac Kirwan, said: “This Christmas, as families across Ireland gather in the warmth of their homes, it is vital to remember those who have no place to call their own. Our Veterans have served this country with honour, and it is our duty to ensure they are not left out in the cold. The sleep-out is both a call to action and a demonstration of solidarity with those who have given so much for Ireland.”

Audra Larkin, Veterans Support Officer and Chairperson of ONE’s South Tipperary Branch, added: "As a Veteran Support Officer and someone who has witnessed the challenges faced by those who have served. This sleep-out is about more than raising funds—it’s about raising awareness. No one who has served their country should be left without a home, especially at Christmas. We’re calling on the public to join us in supporting our Veterans and ensuring they get the dignity and care they deserve.”

Donations to support ONE’s work, including the Christmas Sleep-Out, can be made through ONE’s website. Every euro raised will go directly towards supporting Veterans who are struggling with homelessness, mental health challenges, and other difficulties as they transition to civilian life.

ONE is a registered Irish charity with a main objective to support the needs of homeless Irish veterans through the provision of accommodation through its national national network of Veterans’ Homes and the provision of other advice and support, in particular Mental Health advice, to veterans through its nationwide network.