Galway Simon Community is inviting the local community to join them at 8.30am on Friday 22 December to celebrate the winter solstice at Salthill Beach.
The Dip at Dawn will support Galway Simon to aid those facing the trauma of homelessness in Galway, Mayo and Roscommon.
Maria Tivlin from Fegoli Theatre will perform a short piece of poetry at the start of the event, while Sarah Thornton from SoulMoves will lead participants in warm up exercises to ensure all are nice and limber before taking the plunge.
Everyone will then brave the sea in support of Galway Simon’s work and to celebrate the winter solstice as the sun rises over Galway Bay at 8.43am.
The team from 79G, Galway’s newest barista bus, will be on hand after the dip to warm up those in attendance with hot drinks.
Fintan Maher of Galway Simon explained that the latest Emergency Accommodation figures showed there were 580 people in Emergency Accommodation across Galway, Mayo and Roscommon at the end of October.
“That’s a record high figure for the West, with 108 families and 220 children facing the possibility of Christmas without a home,” said Fintan.
“The impact of the current housing crisis, which has been further compounded by the rising cost of living, means more and more people are turning to Galway Simon Community for help.
“The vital funds raised by the Dip at Dawn and our many other ways to give, ensure we can be there to support those in our community living with the fear of losing their home this Christmas.”
Registration for the event is €30 and the first 200 people to register will receive a much coveted Galway Simon Beanie. To register and for more information, visit https://galwaysimon.ie/dip-at-dawn/
Those who don’t feel like taking a dip there can also contribute by hosting a Christmas Jumper Day, making a donation, giving a Gift of Impact or organising their own Christmas fundraising event.
All information can be found at www.galwaysimon.ie or call 091 38 18 28 to give a life changing gift to Galway Simon Community today.
100% of proceeds will go directly to Galway Simon Community who provide support and accommodation services to those experiencing, or at risk of homelessness in Galway, Mayo and Roscommon.
