Flatley extends his '#Tap for Ten' challenge for DePaul Ireland
Due to the interest and support of the general public and backing from celebrities at home and abroad, dancer Michael Flatley has extended his campaign in support of the homeless in Ireland to New Year’s Eve. He is urging everyone to put their best foot forward with the #FlatleysTapForTen challenge which is raising funds for Depaul Ireland in support of its work for homeless people.
Depaul is an all-island charity that helps people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. It is amongst many charities that have battled to help the vulnerable in the face of the Covid-19 pandemic and the worst economic downturn for over a century.
Michael Flatley, whose wife Niamh O'Brien is from Kilbride in Meath, said: ‘’We are humbled by the response to our campaign so far here in Ireland and have no doubt that the generosity of the community is making a difference. The worries related to Covid-19 are understandable, but for the vast majority of people they are minor compared to the horrific nature of homelessness. There is no excuse for homelessness and we have to do everything we can to ensure everyone has a roof over their heads. I want to thank all of those who have helped so far with donations and to note to everyone else there are a couple of weeks to go. Please make even a small donation.”
Well know figures who have already TappedForTen include Ken Doherty, Eamonn Holmes, Lisa Maxwell, Damon Hill, Glenn McCrory and Keith Duffy.
The “FlatleysTapForTen” campaign involves a person posting a ten second dance video clip across social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, TikTok and Instagram. With their smartphone, participants can dance to their favourite music or show their favourite dance floor routine. They can then nominate their friends, family, and followers to post a clip of their favourite dance skills. They then can make a donation to Depaul Ireland through www.gofundme.com/f/flatleystapforten. All funds raised will go directly to the charity.
“As I have said before everyone is not able to dance, so we are taking donations from wherever we can get them and very much welcome the generosity of all. Even the smallest donation can make that difference and go towards providing a home for a homeless family, child or adult.”
Depaul has supported over 1,200 individuals during the Covid period and set up additional services to help protect the most vulnerable. At present the charity is providing support to 235 ‘shielding’ beds which are been used to protect the most medically vulnerable living within the homeless population. The charity says these efforts have saved lives during the pandemic.
Depaul was established in 2002 in Ireland and 2005 in Northern Ireland. It is now a leading cross-border organisation. Its focus is upon those suffering homelessness and marginalisation that need vital support and the opportunity to realise their true potential. It offers support and guidance to break the cycle of homelessness, and assists its service users in making positive choices for their future. Depaul shares close links with the SVP as one of its founding partners but they are a separate charities addressing homelessness. https://ie.depaulcharity.org/ .
#FlatleysTapForTen – links
To dance:
Instagram: @michaelflatleyofficial
Facebook: www.facebook.com/MichaelFlatley
Twitter: @michaelflatley
Twitter post: https://twitter.com/MichaelFlatley/status/1335314622157520896?s=20
To donate:
Donations: www.gofundme.com/f/flatleystapforten
About Depaul Ireland: https://ie.depaulcharity.org/