This Christmas, Galway Simon Community is calling on people from across the West to take part in their brand new Sprint for Simon; 12 Days of Christmas Challenge. The charity has launched the new initiative ahead of the winter months, not only to raise vital funds for their frontline services, but also to help promote mental well-being during challenging times.
Sprint for Simon asks people to take the challenge to run, walk, or jog 1k a day for the 12 days of Christmas and raise funds while doing so. From December 25th, people across Galway and the West can take part each day in a place of their choice; whether it is on the Salthill prom, down the Long Walk, on their local pitch or even in their garden. Register to take part and get active for 12 days whilst supporting those facing homelessness in the West.
While Christmas is usually a time for giving and enjoying time with loved ones, for those facing homelessness, Christmas can be a particularly challenging time. So far this year, Galway Simon have supported over a thousand individuals through their Homelessness Prevention and Housing Services.
The Covid-19 pandemic and the economic fallout from it have put a lot of people in very precarious and uncertain situations which the charity believe could result in an increased demand for their services over the coming year. At the same time, Galway Simon’s ability to raise funds has taken a huge hit, with the closure of their shops throughout lockdown, as well as the cancellation of many fundraising events.
Speaking about the event, Amy Lavelle, Community & Youth Partnership Coordinator with Galway Simon said this brand new fitness fundraiser will be vital in helping them safeguard their essential services.
“As the economic effects of the Covid-19 crisis take hold, many already very vulnerable people are now facing the real risk of losing their home. At the same time our fundraising activities continue to be massively impacted. By signing up to take part in this challenge, not only will you be doing something positive for your own health and well-being over the Christmas break, you will also be helping to protect vulnerable individuals and families in our community from the risk of homelessness – and from Covid-19.” she said.
Local fitness trainer and influencer, Jason Mitchell Fitness is supporting the event this year, encouraging people throughout the West to register to take part and make a real difference.
To take part in Sprint for Simon, you can register on www.galwaysimon.ie and sprint, run or walk 1k a day in a safe place of your choice from December 25 to January 5.
