An 18-year-old Bermudian law student is helping the homeless in Ireland and hopes businesses that operate in both countries will support her efforts.

Maryssa Gabriel, from Paget, found it difficult to walk by the homeless sitting on the Dublin streets as temperatures in the capital can dip to anywhere between 11 and 12 degrees Fahrenheit.

Just like Bermuda, Dublin is experiencing an industry boom as finance inundates the city and overtakes the housing market, leaving many unable to afford a home.

The struggle for housing, which is the same for both domains, is why Maryssa, a former Bermuda High School student, decided to contact all companies with Bermuda and Dublin offices to ask for donations tomorrow.

It is a one-day fundraiser for the Dublin Simon Community, a charity started by Trinity College students in 1969 that helps feed, clothe and generally help the homeless.

A 2,000 Euro donation has already been received from Enstar Limited and Maryssa hopes more will flow in as she tries to raise more than 10,000 Euros.

She said: "It was just from walking around the city. I live about ten minutes from college and there is a group of homeless people on the corner.

"They are always there whether it's raining or snowing. You feel such privilege going to college and there's people living on the street.

"I know of the similarities between Bermuda and Dublin. The industry has pushed the price of housing up. It's the same in Bermuda and so I though the people in Bermuda would be willing and happy to help with this problem."

Tomorrow more than 300 students will be canvassing Dublin for donations and Maryssa hopes to receive funds from the companies she has contacted directly.

She even has the support of the Irish Consul, John Kane, in Bermuda who has helped raise awareness of her project.

Last year the charity raised 10,000 Euros and this year she hopes to raise more than 15,000 toward sheltering, feeding and bathing the more than 2,000 homeless that populate Dublin's streets.

For more information or to donate towards this charity, contact Maryssa at gabrielm@tcd.ie.