Why we need your help ?
At Galway Simon Community, we support a person’s right to security, dignity and wellbeing in their own home. We are relentlessly committed to finding answers to the questions faced by real people at risk of, or experiencing, homelessness. It is our belief that early intervention is the most effective means of reducing the trauma and cost associated with homelessness.
We work with a clear vision in mind: A community where everyone has a place to call home.
More and more people are turning to us for help. In 2021, there was an increase of 26% in the number of households we supported with our services. The number of young adults we supported increased by 25% compared to 2020.
Funds raised through our annual Sleep Out enable us to safeguard our Homelessness Prevention Services. Learn more about the impact of the money raised for these services over the past year by clicking here.
Fundraising Tips
Personalise your fundraising page
Tell your story! Let people know why you have decided to Sleep Out for Simon and raise vital funds for our Homelessness Prevention Services.
Upload a profile picture
Fundraisers who add a profile picture to their fundraising page raise, on average, 86% more than those without a profile picture. Make it personal such as a fun selfie of you or your team, a photo from last year’s Sleep Out or even a pic of your beloved pet.
Create a team
Get your workplace team, sports club or community group to come together for one night to Sleep Out for Simon. You can easily register a team by clicking on the Team icon on the registration page. Each team member can personalise their own fundraising page and share their personal fundraising link on their social media.
Share your message far and wide
The number one reason people donate is because they were asked! Once you register, you will have your own fundraising page and personal fundraising link the you can share via email, WhatsApp or social media. Share this link as much as you can with updates of how you are preparing for your Sleep Out so your friends, family and colleagues can support you.
Fundraise by email
For an example email to share with colleagues, friends and family inviting them to join you in Sleeping Out for Simon, click here.
For an example email inviting people to donate to your fundraising page, support you in your challenge and raise vital funds for Galway, click here.
And don’t forget to download a Sleep Out for Simon email signature below, to add to the bottom of your email and link it to your fundraising page.
Our research shows these are incredibly effective ways to fundraise!
Fundraise through your social media
Social media is a powerful tool to raise awareness and funds. Please like and follow our social media pages to keep up to date with Sleep Out and Galway Simon news. We share interesting content about our work and the people we work with which you can share with your friends and followers. Don’t forget to use #sleepout4simon when you post or share our content! Together, we can make a real difference to the families and individuals at risk of homelessness in our community.
Example social media post
On Friday 30th September, I am Sleeping Out for Simon in [enter location] for one night in solidarity with those facing the fear of homelessness here in the West. You can help too by registering to Sleep Out or donating to my fundraising page here: [add link to fundraising page].
Thanks a million!
#sleepout4simon
Fundraise with fun activities
There are many fun ways to fundraise! Check out the list below for activities you or your team could do to fundraise as part of your Sleep Out.
Kick start your fundraising
Getting started on your fundraising journey by downloading your own fundraising guide below.
Spread the word
Fundraising, recruiting your team and spreading the word about the Virtual Sleep Out is not a solo mission. We have everything you need to get started! Download what you need below.