Local homeless charity Galway Simon Community is calling on people to take part in their Dip & Donate event this weekend to support those facing homelessness during a time when the charity say their services are critically needed now more than ever .Galway Simon’s annual Dip at Dawn event could not go ahead as planned this year due to Covid-19 restrictions.
Instead, the charity is asking people to take a dip in their local waters and donate what they can during this weekend, June 20, on the longest day of the year. The Coronavirus pandemic has had a huge impact on Galway Simon Community with the temporary closure of their charity shops, as well as the cancellation of a number of events which raise vital funds for the organisation.
“Sadly, due to current public health guidelines, Galway Simon’s much-loved Dip at Dawn event can’t happen as planned this year. Although we might not be able to come together on Ladies Beach this year, instead, as a mark of solidarity with those facing homelessness, we are calling on you to take a Dip & Donate what you can this weekend.
If you can’t get to the beach, you could always take your dip in a pool, pond, lake, river, or even bath. And we’re asking people to encourage their friends and family to join in as well”, said Amy Lavelle, Community & Youth Partnerships Coordinator at Galway Simon Community.
“For people living in homelessness, these extra hours of sunshine on the longest day of the year is just more time to fill until it gets dark enough to sleep. More time to worry, more time to feel sad, more time to feel alone. Our frontline staff are working relentlessly, doing whatever it takes, to help those experiencing or at risk of homelessness to live safe and well in their local community where they belong.
For more information about Dip & Donate, visit www.galwaysimon.ie
