Galway Simon Community is delighted to announce that the Galway Simon Society has been established by students in University of Galway and launched its inaugural fundraiser on campus this week. They are taking part in the Sleep Out for Simon on October 6th, organising their own Sleep Out on campus, in the Quad. They are encouraging their fellow students to join them to Sleep Out and raise both funds and awareness, to ensure that vulnerable people in our community have a safe space to sleep every night, in a home of their own. Professor Pól Ó Dochartaigh, Deputy President and Registrar, University of Galway, is also showing his support by joining Galway Simon at their Shop Street Sleep Out on the 6th of October.
“It’s wonderful to see Town and Gown come together again as the students establish the Galway Simon Society in University of Galway, especially as Galway Simon Community originally came about from the impactful work of a number of volunteers, including students of the University, in 1979. Who knew then, that volunteers setting up a soup run, would develop into an organisation that has supported thousands of people in our community over the decades and continues to do so every day.”, says Professor Pól Ó Dochartaigh.
In early 1979, students from University College Galway as it was then known, were amongst a group of people who decided to do something about homelessness on the streets of Galway. Little did they realise the impact their work would have in the decades that followed. They started with a soup run from midnight to 3am, making the soup and sandwiches at home, they would then do the run together. The determination and passion of those early volunteers, to support people to leave homelessness behind them for good, is still very much evident in the Galway Simon of today. The ethos of being a community is still engrained within Galway Simon.
Karen Golden, CEO Galway Simon said “We are delighted that the students in the University of Galway have established the Galway Simon Society on campus as it was a group of students, along with others, who started what would go on to be the Community we are today. It’s also wonderful to have the students participating in our most important fundraising event of the year, Sleep Out for Simon. The funds raised will go a long way to support the ever-increasing number of people contacting our services for assistance across the West.
The face of homelessness has changed over the years. Some people are facing the threat of being homeless for the first time in their lives and it can be extremely difficult for them to accept this reality, as they would never have imagined themselves being homeless. In 2022, we supported 810 households across Galway, Mayo and Roscommon, this included 225 families and 476 children. This phenomenal achievement is only made possible, thanks to the continued support we receive from our wonderful community.”
Galway Simon looks forward to welcoming as many people as possible to participate in the Sleep Out for Simon on October 6th, be it from their back garden or by joining one of our Community Sleep Outs. By joining the Sleep Out for Simon you’re guaranteed to come away with a sense of pride at making a difference. If you can’t sleep out on the night you can still show your support by donating to the Sleep Out for Simon at sleepoutforsimon.ie or by phoning 091 381828.
This year they have set themselves the target of raising €100,000 from the Sleep Out for Simon. 100% of proceeds go directly towards Galway Simon’s Homelessness Prevention Services in Galway, Mayo and Roscommon, including their community support, youth, women and family services, ensuring the charity can be there to support those in our community who are facing the trauma of homelessness.
To register for the Sleep Out for Simon today, visit sleepoutforsimon.ie
