A musician in Derry who is taking part in a 24-hour busking charity event in aid of tackling homelessness has spoken about the importance of the event.
Micheál Ó Dálaigh is a local Handpan busker and wanted to take part in the event after meeting many people in the city who have experienced homelessness.
Organising the event, the Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council has also urged the public to support the musicians in raising much-needed funds for the current homeless crisis in the city and district.
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Speaking to MyDerry, Micheál said: "Busking in Derry has been great for me personally this last year and I was thrilled to hear about this 24hr busk event for homelessness.
"The instrument I play is rare, relaxing like the harp while upbeat like drums. I love how busking can be enjoyed by everyone, without making any demand with contributions being voluntary.
"I have met a lot of friendly people through busking in Derry who go through periods of homelessness, many are restricted to the streets but show great appreciation for the street music.
"When I saw the 24hr Busk for homelessness I thought it was a great avenue to raise awareness for these issues. I find many people suffering with these issues are not lost causes and are often misunderstood. It’s exciting and an honour performing music in the spirit of compassion at this event. It’s good to see people with the want to help take the intuitive to show compassion in the spirit of music is powerful.
"I encourage people to come out to the event the more attend the more powerful the event becomes. It’s great to see so many performers taking part and I look forward to my 15-minute slot, may it be a success and thank you to the organisers."
Mayor Sandra Duffy is hosting a 24-Hour Busk on Friday March 17 from 6pm to raise funds for her dedicated charity, First Aid Housing and Support Services.
Urging people to support the fundraiser, Mayor Duffy said: "At the end of March 2022, Derry City and Strabane District Council area had the highest rate of those presenting as homeless in Northern Ireland.
"Homelessness is a real problem here in Derry and in the wider North West area and I don’t think people are fully aware of it – the figures speak for themselves. We need to raise as much money as possible for the people across our city and district and help them get out of this homeless crisis that we are living in."
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