Homelessness and Housing charity Galway Simon Community is calling on people across Galway, Mayo, Roscommon and beyond to take on their Virtual Sleep Out for Simon challenge to raise awareness and vital funds to help prevent homelessness in the West.
The virtual event is set to take place on Friday October 1 and will see friends, families, colleagues, teams and community groups giving up their bed for one night to sleep out in their garden, in a tent, on a trampoline, in their garden shed or office carpark to raise vital funds for Galway Simon’s Homelessness Prevention Services.
Being virtual means that no matter where you are in the world, be that Moycullen, Westport, Castlerea or Shanghai, you can still get involved and enjoy this unique solidarity experience. The event will bring people together virtually on the night to collectively raise funds and enjoy music, comedy and entertainment throughout the night.
Last year’s Sleep Out for Simon was the charity’s most diverse to date with over 200 participants taking part; from Montessori Groups to Secondary Schools; Choirs to Scout Groups; Sports Clubs to Youth Councils, along with Businesses and Enterprises of all sizes.
One participant from last year said “it gave me appreciation for those who sleep out every night in worse conditions”, while another commented that it was “a great experience with my family raising money for such a good cause while also being educated on the crisis that faces homelessness in Ireland, and not to judge these families and individuals as it can happen to anyone”.
Karen Golden, CEO of Galway Simon Community, explained why they are relying on the community to come together and raise funds for those living with the threat of homelessness.
“The fear and trauma of having nowhere to sleep is a stark reality for some, and Covid-19 continues to pose an even greater challenge to those who don’t have the security of a home. Already this year, our Homelessness Prevention and Housing Services have seen a 22% increase* in the number of households we have supported. Every day, our front-line workers are supporting people who are on the brink of homelessness”, she said.
“The families and individuals who we support continue to be under extreme pressure. We are asking for the help of our community so that we can continue delivering the support needed to protect the most vulnerable in our society from the threat of homelessness”, Ms Golden added.
100% of proceeds will go directly towards Galway Simon’s Homelessness Prevention Services in the West of Ireland, ensuring the charity can safeguard their essential services and support those in need.
To register for the Virtual Sleep Out for Simon today, visit sleepoutforsimon.ie
