A 34-year Galway Christmas tradition, the COPE Galway Christmas Swim draws hundreds of brave swimmers who take on icy winter waters to raise funds for the local charity.
In 2022 alone, COPE Galway supported 2,921 people across their homeless, domestic abuse and senior support services.
The COPE Galway Christmas Swim raises vital funds for services from registrations, donations and swimmers who not only take the plunge but also fundraise for their swim.
COPE Galway is delighted to announce that GoFundMe has generously teamed up with them for this event as their fundraising partner. According to GoFundMe’s 2023 ‘Year in Giving’ Report, Ireland was the most generous country on GoFundMe for the fifth year running, and Galway stood out as the most giving city in Ireland.
Expressing the charity’s gratitude, COPE Galway Fundraising Manager, Lynia O’Brien, said,
“Hundreds of families, men, women and children in Galway rely on COPE Galway over Christmas and throughout the year. We are deeply grateful for the incredible generosity of the people Galway as we would not be able to provide services without their support.”
Galway companies, Stewart Construction, who built the iconic Blackrock Diving Tower where the Christmas Day Swim takes place, and Isupply are event sponsors. “The support of our event sponsors ensures funds raised directly benefit people in our services rather than covering event costs,” Lynia added.
Originally a one-day event, COPE Galway introduced ‘Swim Where You Are’ in 2020. This means as well as the popular Christmas Day Swim in Salthill, people can swim any day from December 20 to 26. The reimagined event now draws Galwegians from near and far – from across Ireland, UK, Canada, and even Australia.
To join the 2023 Christmas Swim, register online at copegalway.ie/swim and take part in this brave and inspiring Galway community tradition.
