Raft race held in in Dublin in aid of homeless is a splashing success 

Last Saturday week, September 16, homelessness charity Depaul hosted its annual Raft Race Against Homelessness in Grand Canal Dock, raising approximately €20,000 for the most vulnerable in society. 

The Raft Race, now in its fourth year, is Depaul’s biggest fundraiser of the year, bringing corporate teams from Codex Office Solutions, Automatic Fire and Integrated Solutions and Bank of Ireland, among others, along with teams from the charity’s front line services together to compete in a series of 500m races on the water.

Mazarz Allez Les Bleus battled it out on the water to take the top spot for the second year in a row, winning the final race against Automatic Fire and Depaul Staff team. 

Depaul chief executive Kerry Anthony said: “As the homelessness crisis continues to worsen, and with the winter months on the horizon, we as a society cannot afford to forget the most vulnerable among us. 

“The Raft Race Against Homelessness is an essential part of the calendar for us, when the business community gets behind our biggest corporate fundraising event of the year. 

“The event raises vital funds so that Depaul’s services can continue to help those in need.”

On behalf of Depaul, I would like to thank our media partner Spin 1038 as well as Codex Office Solutions, Fresh, Bank of Ireland, Automatic Fire and all the other businesses that took part in what has been a huge success and an enjoyable day, raising awareness and funds to aid those struggling in homelessness.” 

Philip McDonald, Director of Automatic Fire and Integrated Solutions who took part in the Raft Race for the third year in a row, said: “We’ve had a brilliant time at the Raft Race, enjoying some healthy competition along with the other businesses while supporting Depaul in the fight against homelessness. 

“It was great to see so many at an event that we have been taking part in for the past three years.”

Siobhan O’Connor, managing director of Codex Office Solutions, said: “This is the second year Codex has sponsored Depaul’s Raft Race. 

“It’s our chance as a business to give back and to have a great day out in the process!  

“The issue of homelessness is something that we see every day, walking down the street and in the media, it’s really important to us to make our contribution to alleviating the crisis.”