Local homeless charity Galway Simon Community has launched its spring raffle this week to raise funds for vital services in Galway.
Prizes include a Skoda racing bike worth €1,100, sponsored by Monaghans & Sons Ltd, a five-star stay for two with dinner at Ballynahinch Castle, and a bespoke painting by local artist Michelle Ruanne.
Amy Lavelle, community fundraiser at Galway Simon Community, is encouraging everyone to get their ticket for the raffle.
“In just a year there has been a 53 per cent increase in the number of people in emergency accommodation in the west of Ireland, going from 261 to now 400 people, including 146 children," she says.
"These figures are harrowing and we need your support now more than ever. We rely heavily on the support of the local community in keeping our services running, and all support we receive makes a huge difference to the organisation.”
She says the raffle is a great opportunity for people to show their support while also being in with a chance to win some amazing prizes.
"We would love if the community of Galway could get behind us by buying a ticket for the raffle to be in with a chance to win some amazing prizes. To put the impact of support into context, €150 of funds raised through the sale of raffle tickets would enable Galway Simon to provide someone with a week of food, accommodation and support in one of their housing services, while €500 could provide up to 20 hours of counselling or basic health supports.”
Tickets are on sale from now up until the draw which takes place on Saturday May 26 in Monaghan & Son’s Showroom on the Tuam road. Tickets for the raffle will be available from both Galway Simon shops on Sea Road and in Briarhill Business Park, as well as online on the website www.galwaysimon.ie Tickets are €5 for one ticket and €20 for a book of five tickets.
