COPE Galway is inviting local people to help it set a world record for the largest organised Christmas Day Swim and raise vital funds for its work with people experiencing the effects of isolation in the community.
Fintan Maher of COPE Galway says 2008 is the 19th year of the organisation’s Christmas Day swim.
“This year we want to make it bigger and better than ever and an integral part of Christmas Day in Galway.”
The world record attempt will take place on December 25 at Blackrock, Salthill from 10am to 1pm. People must register in advance in order for the record attempt to be valid. People can register online at www.COPEGalway.ie or call Órla at (091 ) 778750. Everyone who registers for the swim will receive a sponsorship pack and a COPE Galway “I took the plunge” T-shirt.
People who are not keen to take a dip on Christmas morning or who are too young to take part in the swim are encouraged to come along, also.
“We are aiming to make this a fun event for the whole family with hot drinks, courtesy of Lohan’s Bar and Restaurant, available to ward off the Atlantic chills. Santa Claus will be there to meet young and old alike. Bring along your camera and take photos of your children with Santa in this unique Galway setting. It will be an enjoyable morning for locals and visitors – if you know of anyone planning a trip to Galway for Christmas please let them know about this event. All proceeds raised from the swim are used in Galway,” stresses Fintan Maher.
COPE Galway provides emergency accommodation and support services for homeless people, women and children who experience domestic violence and older vulnerable people in Galway city and county.
Donations and fundraising are of vital importance to the organisation. Donations can be made directly to COPE Galway, Calbro House, Tuam Road or Bank of Ireland, Sort Code: 903816, Account Number: 39096396.
