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AS THE rain pelts down this afternoon, spare a thought for those among us who have literally no shelter and no homes to go to. Their plight will be highlighted by a special charity event, Under the Elements, in Tralee this weekend.

Five local ladies, Marion Coffey, Julie Fitzpatrick, Charlene Tydings, Marilyn O’Shea and Tina Lonergan, have organised Under the Elements, in which they and fellow fundraisers will sleep outside. The event will support Arlington Lodge, Kerry’s only homeless shelter, and it will be held in Pearse Park, Tralee, tomorrow, September 10, from 6pm to 6am.

The cost is €10 per adult and €5 for a teenager. “Members of the Civil Defence, as well as security and community guards will be present on the night also to keep everyone safe and sound,” said Marion Coffey.

“This Sunday, September 11, we will be having our family fun day in the square where comic book heroes and Chapter 2 will be taking to the stage to perform.”

Kingdom Party Pals and facepainters will be on hand while a raffle for covetable prizes donated by Kerry businesses will also be on the agenda. “People have been so good in supporting this event. All money raised will be used by Arlington Lodge to renovate a house for a person with disabilities,” said Marion.

“We want to highlight the homelessness issue which is getting much worse and make people realise that homelessness can happen for many reasons such as family breakdown, mental health problems, abuse in the family and minor learning disabilities, as well as addiction and alcoholism. The organisers are sponsored by Pro Fitness, Tralee.
 

 
Above: Marion Coffey, Julie Fitzpatrick, Charlene Tydings, Marilyn O’Shea and Tina Lonergan.