the time for their project, getting "free land in key areas of the city," and were then "faced with challenge of fundraising and ensuring homes for the elderly were built." Through their work, they had sufficient funds by 1975 to begin building the first SHARE Complex. In 1976, twelve houses were built and furnished at Clochán Barra on Sheare's Street and accommodation for thirteen people was provided at Grenville Place. Over the following two years, eleven homes were provided at Sheare's Street, seven houses at Sunday's Well, and 13 houses at Fair Street. The nineteen houses at Shandon were formally opened by the Taoiseach Jack Lynch. Following the securing of these new homes for the residents, the practice of regular visits was begun to deal with the problem of loneliness. The enthusiastic support of the people of Cork ensured the organisation's rapid development throughout the city, and the support of the students’ parents led to the establishment of "SHARE Mothers." SHARE celebrated its 10th anniversary in 1980, with the fifteen-house complex at Abbey Street opened by President of Ireland Patrick Hillery. Complexes were also opened at Dyke Parade and Ardfert, Great William O’Brien Street. In 1988, President Hillery also opened a 32 house complex at Grattan Street. Organisation Although originally made up solely of students of Presentation College, by 2007, SHARE was organised by an elected executive committee of 50–60, composed of students from the 18 secondary schools in Cork city. These students are typically fifth year or senior cycle students. Pres maintains a strong presence on the committee, with the chairman typically elected from the school. The organisation's sole collection period each year is the "Christmas Fast & Fundraising Campaign", which starts on 14 December and spans the 10-day run up to Christmas. During this time, the members of the executive committee spend as much as ten hours collecting in the city centre each day, with the focal point of the collection at The Crib in Daunt's Square. Additionally, there is a separate Fasting Committee, which spends 24 hours fasting outside the crib at a time. The campaign is therefore linked with the Christian message of the Gospel and the significance and relevance of the Christmas Crib. Cribs are also placed in some of the city's main suburban shopping centres. Overall, 1800 volunteer students also get involved in this collection, bearing the organisation's "trademark yellow collection boxes and enthusiastic