Darkness Into Light, proudly supported by Electric Ireland, is postponed due to COVID-19 from May 9 until autumn 2020 (date TBC).
Pieta have called for continued support from the public to ensure the charity can continue to fund the counselling services which it provides free of charge to those at risk of suicide.
After much deliberation, Pieta have taken the very difficult decision to postpone Darkness Into Light 2020 until the autumn. The COVID-19 outbreak that we are currently seeing in Ireland poses an unprecedented challenge to our communities. pic.twitter.com/UkqzTYZo6V
— Pieta (@PietaHouse) March 15, 2020
Over 250,000 people were expected to come together in the pre-dawn hours of May 9 in almost 20 countries worldwide, but, given the evolving situation in relation to COVID-19 and mass gatherings, the charity has taken the decision to postpone the event until the autumn.
CEO Elaine Austin has reassured the many local organisers and fundraisers that the event, which has such significance for the many Irish people whose lives have been touched by suicide, will go ahead at a later date. “While the decision to postpone this year’s event was difficult, the safety of local committees, fundraisers and the thousands of people who gather together to participate in Darkness Into Light is our highest priority. The event will indeed take place, but at a more appropriate time when the threat of the coronavirus has passed. We are assessing an autumn date and will confirm this as soon as possible.”
For more information or to make a donation, visit www.pieta.ie/donate or call (01) 541 4746.
