‘This Time of Year’, released by Friends of Peter McVerry Trust, will raise money to support families living in homelessness this Christmas.

The new track, written by John Evans and performed by Alan Brereton, conjures seasonal imagery of carol singing and wreaths hanging on doors but urges us all to remember that no-one should be cold at this time of year.

All of the money raised through online sales of the song will be donated to Peter McVerry Trust, the national housing and homelessness charity.

John Evans, songwriter, explained the inspiration behind the song, “The song celebrates Christmas and that familiar Christmas feeling, but reminds us that we shouldn’t take it for granted. Unfortunately, ‘food on every table and presents by each tree’ will not be a reality for the hundreds of families in Ireland who don’t have a place to call home this Christmas.

“Partnering with Peter McVerry Trust to raise money for their family homeless services feels like the perfect fit for this song. We hope to raise enough money to make this a special Christmas for the families, especially the children, who are living in their services.”

Pat Doyle, CEO of Peter McVerry Trust, said, “Winter is the busiest time of the year for our charity and this year we will work with over 10,000 people, a 20% increase on last year. The release of ‘This Time of Year’ is a timely addition to our Christmas Fundraising Appeal as unfortunately the fundraising environment has been incredibly challenging since the onset of Covid-19 in Ireland.

“We hope that radio stations nationwide will back the song and members of the public will purchase and enjoy the track for many Christmases to come.”

‘This Time of Year’ is available to purchase and download on Bandcamp: PMVT.bandcamp.com

The public can support Peter McVerry Trust’s Christmas Fundraising Appeal by visiting www.pmvtrust.ie/donate or calling 01 823 0776.