Focus Ireland is aiming to raise €100,000 from its Camino challenge this autumn, funding vital services for people who are experiencing homelessness or are at risk of losing their home.
There are now 15,580 men, women and children across the country who are homeless with the number of families in emergency accommodation doubling in the last two years alone to 2,245 families.
The Camino Portuguese Coastal trip will take place from September 25th to October 2nd, 2025 finishing in the beautiful city of Santiago de Compostela.
This year’s Camino fundraiser is being launched by broadcaster and health coach Clare McKenna who will be taking part in this year’s event.
Clare McKenna said, “The Focus Ireland Camino Walk is a wonderful opportunity to step away from daily life for a week, to move the body, and take on a challenge that’s tough but manageable. More importantly, it’s a vital fundraiser for Focus Ireland to support families in Ireland to avail of the services that they so urgently need. We can often feel powerless but there is much we can do. Taking on The Camino is a great way to help raise funds, to join in community and to give back – essential components of our wellbeing. I hope to gather together a group of all ages and backgrounds. The Camino is often seen as something to do in retirement but in truth anyone can go, we will walk as a group, walk alone, every day will be a unique adventure. So if you want to take on a life changing experience that can change the lives of many families and people experiencing homelessness, then please sign up and walk with me this September.”
This fully guided trek will bring the group along 120 km of the Portuguese Coastal Route starting in the town of Oia and walking to the historic city of Santiago. It will travel through Baiona, Vigo, Pontevedra, Caldas de Reis and Pardon. The seven night trip includes five walking days of varying distances and elevation.
Each participant is asked to raise €3,000 and all logistics including flights, accommodation, transfers, breakfast, dinner and guides are managed and organised by Focus Ireland.
Lorraine Toner, Head of National Community Fundraising with Focus Ireland said, “We will do everything we can to make sure participants reach their target. This includes information meetings and opportunities to meet other participants, fundraising packs, t-shirts, collection buckets and guidance throughout. There is complete flexibility with how you choose to fundraise. We’re encouraging people to sign up and to book their space on this incredible trip. We will be venturing off the classic Camino trails to embrace something a bit different. There will be plenty of time to swim in the ocean, meet new people and enjoy fresh seafood. Walking into Santiago is the highlight of the trip and is a special and unique experience for everyone.”
Focus Ireland CEO Pat Dennigan added, “We’re thrilled to have another wonderful group taking on the Camino Challenge again this year. Challenges like this not only raise much-needed funds but also shine a spotlight on the challenges faced by those experiencing homelessness. It’s inspiring to see the community, including people like Clare McKenna, come together to make a difference. It’s important to never forget that homelessness is a problem we can tackle when we work collectively.”
For more information and to register your interest visit https://www.focusireland.ie/