Who are Galway Simon Community?
We support a person’s right to security, dignity and wellbeing in their own home and believe that early intervention is the most effective means of reducing the trauma and cost associated with homelessness.
In 2019, we supported a total of 646 unique households, representing 744 adults and 443 children, throughout our Housing and Homelessness Prevention Services.
Why is the Sleep Out virtual this year?
This is a critical time for our local community. The Covid-19 crisis has had a detrimental impact on the lives of many people in Galway. It has and will continue to put many people at risk of becoming homeless. Our services are stretched more than ever and with the inevitable economic fallout from the crisis looming, we are anticipating an even bigger increase in the demand for our services over the coming months. Our two charity shops, which are a vital source of funds for our services, have been closed for the last three months. In addition, many of our regular fundraising events have had to be canceled.
That’s why the funds raised through Sleep Out for Simon are more important now than ever. The Sleep Out for Simon is our biggest fundraiser of the year and is vital in keeping our Homeless Prevention Services running in the West of Ireland.
What is expected of me as a participant?
Once you register, an online fundraising page will automatically be created for you to kick-start your fundraising. There’s no set fundraising requirement but we are encouraging participants to work towards a minimum fundraising goal of €250 for individuals and €1000 for a team. We are here to help you every step of the way and our fundraising team can provide tips, materials and guidance to help you reach your goal – just contact us at sleepout@galwaysimon.ie
On Friday, October 2nd, you will join our Sleep Out community online where you will have access to fun and engaging activities to keep you going throughout the night, including music, mindfulness, and storytelling.
I want to Sleep Out. What’s my next step?
Remember, by encouraging your friends, family, and co-workers to get involved to register with you as part of a team, you will be able to raise more funds to help more people facing or experiencing homelessness.
Can a friend or family member Sleep Out with me?
If you want to lead your team, you can register as the team leader and invite anyone you would like to join you.
If you have a specific question regarding creating a team, don’t hesitate to contact the fundraising team at sleepout@galwaysimon.ie or call us on 091 381828.
Why do I have to fundraise? And how much do I need to raise?
Each year we rely on the generosity of our community, people like you, to keep our services running but this year more than ever we need your help. As a result of the Covid-19 outbreak, our two charity shops, which are a vital source of funds for our services, have been closed for the last three months along and many of our regular fundraising events have been canceled. We urgently need your support to make sure that we can be there for those who need us in the difficult times to come.
There’s no set fundraising requirement but we are encouraging participants to a minimum fundraising goal of €250 for individuals and €1000 for a team. We know you can do it — getting started is as easy as sending an email — and we are here to provide the tips, materials, and guidance you need to help you reach your goal.
How will the funds I raise help?
I received sponsorship funds in cash and/or cheque. How can I donate them?
If you are Galway based you are also welcome to call to our office at Galway Simon Community, Unit 18 1st Floor, Tuam Road Retail Centre, Tuam Rd, Galway.
Or for alternative options please get in touch with us at sleepout@galwaysimon.ie or on 091 381828
We are here to help! If you have any further questions please get in touch with us at sleepout@galwaysimon.ie