Looking back over last year and Christmas in particular it would have to be said that the year turned out to be as challenging as had been expected, with a few extra unforeseen difficulties handed out by the weather, both early and late in the year. As with all challenges we believe that they can be overcome.
The main challenge we had to face during the year was simply being able to continue to provide essential services to a growing number of people during what is undoubtedly the most difficult financial environment for many years. “Doing more with less” will continue to be the order of the day for quite some time to come.
The cold weather at the end of the year meant that we were forced to cancel or postpone a number of events and fundraisers across the region. It was particularly disappointing to have to cancel our Santa Dash in Athlone which would have been a great fun day out. However the roads were just too dangerous at the time. We would very much hope to run the event towards the end of this year.
The cold weather did help to highlight the issue of homelessness, and to remind us of the challenges that people who are homeless face, particularly those people who may have to sleep rough.
However disappointing it was to have had to cancel some fundraising it would have to be said that the support we received from people right across the Midlands not just at Christmas, but throughout the year was once again amazing. It is really encouraging to see that people are so willing to make a difference in their community, and to make a positive difference in other people’s lives. The support that we receive day in day out is what makes it possible for us to continue to provide services to people who need our help. Indeed without the continued support of all our partners we won’t be able to survive.
The list of people and businesses and community groups who we would like to thank for their support would be too long for this piece but there are a few that I would like to give a special mention to. The support we have received from the local authorities, especially Athlone Town Council, Westmeath County Council, and the HSE has been crucial and needs to be acknowledged.
Over the course of the year we also received fantastic support from Athlone Institute of Technology at every level, and are also hoping to further develop our internship and student placement programmes which have been very successful to date. The quality of students at AIT is clearly of a very high standard.
The transition year students in the Marist College, led by Luke Kilmartin and deputy principal Tony Colgan were also fantastic help during the year. It was very encouraging to see how well the school promotes volunteering and participation in the community.
This year will remain very challenging, especially in fundraising but there are also reasons to be positive despite the uncertainty, we will hopefully be able to expand the range of services that we provide by opening another emergency accommodation service and also opening a supported housing project. Ultimately, providing ways for people to overcome homelessness, and to return to a home of their own is why we are here, and why we are so grateful to all those who assist us by volunteering or donating or by choosing to support the Simon shop.
Volunteers and friends of Simon have been central to our success to date and will continue to be, especially over the next year. We are currently looking for volunteers who would like to assist with any aspect of our work. Midlands Simon strongly believes that everyone can play a part and can be the key to ending homelessness. If anyone would like to find out more please contact me, whether you would like to work directly with clients or to help in the shop or with raising some money. Even if you would just like to find out more about our work, please get in touch.
We are also currently running a campaign in our shop for any unwanted Christmas gifts that people may have received; we would ask that people would consider donating them to the shop rather than dumping them. The shop can be contacted on (090 ) 6476577.
For more information please contact Cormac P Lally, development officer, Midlands Simon Community on (087 ) 9925083 or email [email protected].
