Its no secret that homelessness has been on the rise in Ireland for many years. There are now currently 10,514 people recorded as homeless in Ireland, a rise of 13% on the previous end of year total. With such escalating homelessness in Ireland, Depaul really needed a way to raise additional funds. We decided to do something different and bring our whole community together, hence the Raft Race was born. The Raft Race brings together Depauls 400+ staff from across Ireland. It unites service users, volunteers and external funders and sponsors. However most importantly, service users are given the opportunity to give something back. Now going into its seventh year, the Raft Race has come a long way! The event is funded entirely by corporate sponsors, meaning that every donation made goes directly towards our work with some of the most marginalised people in Irish society, helping them progress to a more positive future.