Communities across Galway are coming together to Sleep Out for Simon on Friday night, September 30 and Galway Simon is delighted to introduce the wonderful community leaders who have stepped up to take the challenge.
Gill Carroll of 56 Central will be motivating the Shop Street community and Pete Kelly of The Village Salthill, will be leading the event in Salthill. The Oranmore/Maree community will be headed up by Geraldine Grady, Galway Simon Community, alongside Bernie Rogers, PRO of Atlantic Masters Swim Club and Tom Broderick from the Oranmore Community Development Association.
The Sleep Out in Loughrea will be led by Shane Curley, local councillor and school teacher and Sharon Fitzmaurice, holistic and wellness coach, will be taking the challenge with the community in Tuam.
Gill Carroll, Shop Street Community leader, who has been hosting Sleep Outs on Shop Street since 2016 explained the importance of this annual event.
“Every year I’m amazed and heartened by the generosity of the people who participate in this event. We only give up our bed for one night and that’s by choice but the rising number of people, especially families, being forced into homelessness and are powerless to stop it, is frightening. I take the challenge every year because it’s a great opportunity to support those facing homelessness and I know the funds raised make a difference.”
This year’s Sleep Out is a hybrid event, with community Sleep Outs taking place on Shop Street, Salthill, Oranmore/Maree, Loughrea and Tuam or you can organise your own Sleep Out in a safe place of your choosing. As the rising cost of living and housing crisis impacts on people in our communities, the charity’s biggest annual fundraiser aims to raise €100,000 in vital funds to support those at risk of homelessness.
So why not get together with family, friends or colleagues and join in this year’s Sleep Out for Simon, on the 30th of September, be it from your own back garden or by joining one of our Community Sleep Outs in Galway city and county. You can register to take part at SleepOutforSimon.ie or contact [email protected].
100% of proceeds will go directly towards Galway Simon’s Homelessness Prevention Services including our community support, youth, women and family services, ensuring the charity can safeguard these essential community services and support those in need.
