MICHAEL FLATLEY has put his best foot forward to help Ireland's homeless community.
Flatley, best-known for the iconic rendition of Riverdance at the 1994 Eurovision, has asked people across Ireland and beyond to join him in 'Flatleys Tap for Ten', to raise much-needed funds for a homeless charity.
Depaul Ireland, a charity which helps individuals and families across the island who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless, has helped countless people since being established in the Republic in 2002.
This year, with people losing jobs and being evicted due to the coronavirus pandemic, the charity has been fighting even harder for those in need, working with 1,200 people and establishing 235 ‘shielding’ beds to protect the most medically vulnerable living within the homeless population, undoubtedly saving lives.
The 'Flatleys Tap for Ten' campaign asks people to post a ten-second dance video on social media-- whether Twitter, Facebook, TikTok or Instagram-- and nominate their friends and families to do the same.
Those wishing to get involved are also urged to make a donation to the official GoFundMe page (which you can find here), and every cent raised will go directly to the charity.
Commenting on the campaign, the Lord of the Dance himself, Michael Flatley, said:
"Christmas is coming quickly and it’s getting cold outside. It breaks my heart to see so many people living on the street. Families, children, young and old.
"This virus has had a devastating effect on people’s lives and it has been worse for the homeless in Ireland and elsewhere. We must all pull together and try to help get families off the street for Christmas. I am asking for the help of the community to help those in need."
He added:
"While we are focusing on dance, clearly everyone is not able to dance, so we will welcome donations from wherever we can get them. If we manage to put a roof over one person’s head this Christmas, we will have achieved something special. Even the smallest donation will help.”
CEO of Depaul Ireland, David Carroll, said:
"We are delighted to team up with Michael and be part of his TapForTen campaign to support those experiencing homelessness. Depaul has been at the forefront of the efforts to protect vulnerable individuals and families experiencing homelessness during Covid.
"We urge everybody to get involved with the campaign and to help support vulnerable people this Christmas. For those experiencing homelessness, Christmas can be a particularly hard time.
"Not having a home or family or friends to spend time with can be difficult. Our staff will be there to ensure nobody spends time alone this Christmas."
To get involved, simply post your ten-second dance video-- whether following a dance routine or making it up as you go along!-- and tag it #FlatleysTapForTen.
You can tag friends and family to get them involved, and donate to the GoFundMe here.
