Christmas can be a difficult time of year for many, but it is especially difficult for those experiencing homelessness, when issues such as loneliness, isolation, and poverty become even more challenging. Knowing there is support available can make all the difference.
Midlands Simon Community is providing essential ongoing support and care to those affected by homelessness in Westmeath and across the Midlands region.
Given the current economic climate Midlands Simon are even more dependent on the support of the wider community to survive. Fortunately, there are many ways that people can choose to support the fight against homelessness this Christmas.
Midlands Simon has produced wonderful Christmas cards, in partnership with each of the five secondary schools in Athlone. There are 10 excellent quality cards in each pack, and each pack has five different designs. Each card was designed by a student in each school and printed locally by Snap Printing. The winning designs are by Evan Kelly, Athlone Community College; Jonathan Farrell, St Aloysius College; Ryan Reid, Marist College; Sarah Browne, Summerhill College; and Ashley McNichola, Our Lady’s Bower.
“We are absolutely delighted with the support we received from all the schools. It is fantastic to see such willingness amongst the students in Athlone to support those on the margins of our society. All the designs we received were of an excellent standard, and it was extremely difficult to decide on the final five. We would also like pay special thanks to Micheal O’Faolain, principal St Aloysius; Mary Fahy, principal Summerhill College; Mick Loftus, Marist College; Val O`Connor, principal, and Niamh Donohue of Athlone Community College; and Noel Casey and Susan Eades, Our Lady’s Bower. Without their fantastic support the project could not have succeeded,” said Tony O`Riordan, CEO Midlands Simon.
The cards are now on sale in Burgess of Athlone and the Simon Shop in Sean Costello Street and are excellent value for money at €10 per pack of 10 while stocks last! Mr O’Riordan continued: “We would also like to sincerely thank Rosie and all the team in Burgess of Athlone for all the very generous support given to the project. It is wonderful to see the business community show such solidarity and willingness to help others in our community.”
Another way to show solidarity with the homeless this Christmas is to choose to do your shopping in the Simon Shop. There is a fantastic selection of top quality gifts to choose from, for everyone in the family. You can get everything from clothes and accessories to DVDs, books, and video games. It is also a very welcome opportunity to find excellent value for money, and at the same time, show that ethical shopping and excellent quality can go hand in hand. Also running in the Simon Shop between now and Christmas is a draw for two wonderful Christmas hampers and other goodies! Tickets cost only €2.
Mr O`Riordan added; “People who choose to support Midlands Simon this Christmas, either through the Christmas cards, the shop, or any other way, will be assisting some of the most vulnerable and marginalised in our community but also getting excellent value for money, and this is surely good for everyone.”
