Pieta House Need Help With Their Darkness Into Light Sunrise Appeal
Darkness Into Light has become a huge annual event since it started in 2009 when 400 people set-off on the inaugural Darkness into Light 5km walk to raise funds for Pieta in the Phoenix Park in Dublin. From small beginnings, the movement has grown year on year and in 2019 over 200,000 people took part in 200 locations, in 16 countries across 5 continents.
Not only does Darkness Into Light raise vital funds for Pieta House, it also raises awareness for its services and is a wonderful community event.
The Importance of Darkness Into Light
I’ve taken part in Darkness Into Light the last three years and its incredibly moving and uplifting to see so many people come together. It’s truly sad that during a time where we could all do with such a demonstration of love and support within our community that the normal Darkness Into Light walk was forced to postpone this year’s walk again due to Covid-19.
Pieta House still need support though, which is why they are calling on people to join their Darkness Into Light Appeal.
How To Join Darkness Into Light One Sunrise Together
Tomorrow morning, thousands of people all over Ireland and around the world are getting together to show community and solidarity with those impacted by suicide.
You can talk part in any way you can – walk, swim, bike or simply share your sunrise moment from your window online using the hashtags, #BrighterTogether, #DIL2021.
Or if the early morning doesn’t suit, you can take part whenever you can!
There’s more information on how to take part here. It obviously goes without saying that you should organise to take part someplace well lit and safe to walk and not do it in a big group as social distancing is still so important.
The Importance of Music
Music will play a huge role in uniting participants on May 8th. As people can’t gather with their loved ones, Pieta is encouraging participants to listen to their favourite music that may help evoke happy memories, direct their emotions and feel connected to loved ones.
Pieta ambassadors, Louise Cooney and Mary Black, have curated special playlists for Pieta’s Darkness into Light walk. You can find and listen to their playlists on May 8th via Pieta’s Spotify, or search ‘Darkness Into Light 2021 – Sunrise Playlist’ on Spotify.
Pieta House Need To Raise Vital Funds
Four out of ten people who accessed Pieta’s services in 2020 cited loneliness as a trigger for their reaching out, so this year’s Darkness Into Light is about much more than raising funds; it’s about helping people feel connected.
By taking part and sharing one sunrise together participants are showing solidarity with those who are feeling isolated in these difficult times. We may be physically apart again this year, but we can unite under the sunrise and share in its light and warmth together.
Pieta House are also asking for donations to help them fund their vital services. It usually costs €25 to enter Darkness Into Light, but anything that you can give would be greatly appreciated. You can register or donate here.
Team Missy will be taking part in the Darkness Into Light 2021 tomorrow morning, we hope you can join us too.
If you or someone you know has been affected by suicide you can contact Pieta House here or see our Helpline page for more.