Did you know that the Winter Solstice is on December 22 this year? Don’t be caught out and miss the shortest day of the year. Galway Simon Community invites you to join them that day to celebrate the Winter Solstice with a Dip at Dawn and support those facing the trauma of homelessness in Galway, Mayo and Roscommon.
Take the challenge, don your swimwear and join with your friends and family at 8.30am for an invigorating dip at Salthill Beach and help tackle homelessness.
Fintan Maher of Galway Simon said the latest Emergency Accommodation figures released by the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government showed there were 580 people in Emergency Accommodation across Galway, Mayo and Roscommon at the end of October.
“That’s a record high figure for the West, with 108 families and 220 children facing the possibility of Christmas without a home. The impact of the current housing crisis, which has been further compounded by the rising cost of living, means more and more people are turning to Galway Simon Community for help.
“The vital funds raised by the Dip at Dawn and our many other ways to give, ensure we can be there to support those in our community living with the fear of losing their home this Christmas.”
Maria Tivlin from Fegoli Theatre will fuel your soul by performing a short piece of poetry at the start of the event, while Sarah Thornton from SoulMoves will lead participants in warm up exercises to ensure all are nice and limber before taking the plunge.
Everyone will then brave the sea in support of our work and to celebrate the Winter Solstice as the sun rises over Galway Bay at 8.43am on Friday December 22. The team from 79G, Galway’s newest barista bus, will be on hand after the dip to warm you up with hot drinks.
“The Dip at Dawn has become a great event within our community, where people get to take part in a unique experience and have fun, whilst helping others. The turn out and support has been phenomenal and we’re extremely grateful to all who participate and for the vital funds they help raise to support our work. We look forward to welcoming everyone to this year’s Dip at Dawn on Friday 22nd of December”, Fintan added.
Are you up to the challenge? Then bring your friends, family or workmates along to Salthill Beach and share a revitalising moment with Galway Simon Community, supporting those facing the trauma of homelessness. Registration for the event is €30 and the first 200 people to register will receive a much coveted Galway Simon Beanie. To register and for more information visit https://galwaysimon.ie/dip-at-dawn/
If you do not feel like taking a dip there are many other ways you can contribute, to help Galway Simon keep people out of Emergency Accommodation and in their homes this Christmas. You can host a Christmas Jumper Day, make a donation, give a Gift of Impact or organise your own Christmas fundraising event.
All information can be found at www.galwaysimon.ie or call 091 38 18 28 to give a life changing gift to Galway Simon Community today. 100% of proceeds will go directly to Galway Simon Community who provide support and accommodation services to those experiencing, or at risk of homelessness in Galway, Mayo and Roscommon.
