Darkness Into Light Luxembourg – 2nd edition – postponed until Autumn 2020
A charity walk aimed at destigmatising suicide and mental health issues
What is the Darkness Into Light initiative?
Darkness Into Light is a global movement dedicated to ending suicide and supporting those who engage in self-harm. The first Darkness Into Light walk took place in Dublin in 2009, when a bereaved family, who had lost their son to suicide, walked with a group of 400 people in the very early morning from the darkness of night into the dawn, to symbolise the hope and healing that can come with the light of a new day.
The walk took place for the first time in Luxembourg on 11 May 2019 – one of 203 venues and 21 countries – when over 400 people donned a yellow t-shirt and braved the torrential rain to walk together, at 5 o’clock in the morning, because they believed that the walk — and its message – matter. Not only did we raise over EUR 33,000 to help three charities in their work of preventing suicide and providing vital support, but together, as we walked in a sea of yellow through the picturesque streets of beautiful Luxembourg, we experienced the power of hope and witnessed the power of community. This year we are honoured to walk under the High patronage of Her Royal Highness the Grand Duchess and with the continued support of the Irish Embassy in Luxembourg.
As well as our local partner charities from last year, the Service Information et Prévention of D’Ligue (La Ligue Luxembourgeoise d’Hygiène Mentale) and SOS Détresse, we are delighted to partner for the first time with Kanner-Jugendtelefon. All monies raised through fundraising and sponsorship goes to our three charities with fifty percent of registration fees going to the Irish organising charity Pieta House, to cover administrative costs and insurance for the walkers. Darkness Into Light Luxembourg (DILL) was overwhelmed by the support and number of registrations in Luxembourg for its first walk. Having been prepared for 250-300 people, we had to close registrations a couple of days early due to the fact that just over 500 people had registered to walk and our venue was at the limit!
When is the date for the walk and who can participate?
The 5 km walk, originally planned for 9 May, has had to be postponed worldwide until the Autumn due to the present health crisis – a date will be set soon. We hope to keep our original venue at the Centre Culturel Tramsschapp, 49 Rue Ermesinde, Limpertsberg with the walk starting at 5:00 in the morning. Anyone fit enough to walk (or run) the five kilometres can take part, children and dogs (on a short leash) included, although dogs unfortunately are not at all allowed inside the Tramsschapp. Children under 18 must be accompanied. The walk will be followed by tea and coffee in the Tramsschapp, with partner charities available to answer questions and provide support.
Registration is open and you can continue to register https://www.darknessintolight.ie/event/luxembourg The registration cost includes insurance for the participants and T-Shirts for the walk. Those who walked in 2019 may wear their T-shirts from last year if they wish so as to reduce costs for the organisers. You can support this cause by walking with us, sponsoring someone else who is taking part, spreading the word, fundraising, volunteering on the day or donating directly at https://www.darknessintolight.ie/fundraisers/DILLUX/luxembourg
Where can I find out more information?
To keep up to date with all news concerning Darkness Into Light Luxembourg, visit our Facebook page: Darkness Into Light Luxembourg / email us at darknessintolightluxembourg@gmail.com or call:
Lynda Jacob: 691 52 53 48
Caoimhe Alliot-Stenson: 621 59 88 35
Emma Farrell (Chairperson): 621 19 39 25
GET UP EARLY OR STAY UP LATE, AND WALK WITH US THIS AUTUMN 2020!