People across the west of Ireland are being called to take part in the Sleep Out for Simon to help fight homelessness here.
The Sleep Out for Simon is an annual event that encourages people to give up their comfy bed for one night to raise funds for the Simon Community’s homelessness services.
This year’s event is going virtual once again, with supporters of Galway Simon, whether individuals, groups, or businesses, asked to take to their backyard, shed, office car park or anywhere they can safely lay down their head for the night.
Being virtual means that no matter where you are in the world, be that Moycullen, Westport, Castlerea or Shanghai, you can still get involved and enjoy this unique solidarity experience.
The event will bring people together virtually on the night of October 1 to collectively raise funds and enjoy music, comedy and entertainment.
CEO of Galway Simon Community Karen Golden said “The fear and trauma of having nowhere to sleep is a stark reality for some, and Covid-19 continues to pose an even greater challenge to those who don’t have the security of a home.”
This year there has already been a 22% increase in the number of households supported by Galway Simon’s homelessness prevention and housing services, she explained, with frontline workers confronted every day with people on the edge of becoming homeless.
“The families and individuals who we support continue to be under extreme pressure. We are asking for the help of our community so that we can continue delivering the support needed to protect the most vulnerable in our society from the threat of homelessness.”
100% of proceeds will go directly towards Galway Simon’s Homelessness Prevention Services in the West of Ireland, ensuring the charity can safeguard their essential services and support those in need.
Last year’s Sleep Out raised a record breaking €137,000 for Galway Simon’s homelessness services, making it the most successful in the charity’s history.
This was in no small part because the virtual format made it more accessible to people all over Galway and beyond wanting to take part.
One participant from last year said “it gave me appreciation for those who sleep out every night in worse conditions”.
Another commented that it was “a great experience with my family raising money for such a good cause while also being educated on the crisis that faces homelessness in Ireland, and not to judge these families and individuals as it can happen to anyone”.
To register for the Virtual Sleep Out for Simon today, visit sleepoutforsimon.ie.
