Galway Simon Community fears that there will be a further increase in demand for its services in the New Year following last week’s Budget cuts.
“We are already operating at full capacity, and further strain will seriously jeopardise our ability to provide the vital services that people need in Galway,” CEO Marlene O’Connor said this week. “In 2008 we provided over 39,000 meals and over 36,000 nights of accommodation throughout Galway, and we believe that these figures will be a lot higher this year.”
Ms O’Connor said that Galway Simon, which has been providing homeless services and support in the west for over 30 years, can sustain its services but only with local community support.
“We are urging the people of Galway to support any of our local Christmas fundraisers, or even run their own fundraiser in the New Year,” she added. “The Eyre Square Shopping Centre is providing a free visit to Santa from now until Christmas Eve, and are asking that parents make a donation to Galway Simon instead of a set fee. All visitors to Santa will get magic reindeer food which is provided by Galway Simon.”
In addition to this, Galway Simon will hold a 12-hour carolathon on Monday December 21 in the Eyre Square Centre. “We are really grateful to local schools, societies, and choir groups for coming on board and singing for Simon on the longest night of the year,” said Barry McCann, community fundraiser for the charity. “Hopefully the public will get behind our fundraising campaigns because with their support we can ensure that the most vulnerable people in Galway can have a warmer, brighter, and happier Christmas in their times of hardship.”
For further information on all of Galway Simon’s events or to make a donation to help people who are homeless contact Barry McCann on (091 ) 589415.
