Galway Simon encourages Galwegians to take a Dip at Dawn this winter solstice to help tackle homelessness

By Kinga Neumann

Galway Simon Community is encouraging Galwegians to brave the cold this winter solstice, 21 December, for a Dip at Dawn with a purpose. 

The swim will take place at Salthill Beach starting from 8.30am allowing participants to enjoy the sunrise while raising much needed funds for the Galway Simon Community homeless service. 

Dip at Dawn participants will be accompanied by Laragh Cunningham and Sarah Thornton from SoulMoves who will ensure everyone is warmed up and ready to brave the water.

79G Coffee van will also be present for anyone who needs an extra caffeine boost or a hot drink to warm themselves after the plunge. 

The Dip at Dawn is an annual event with a real impact, all funds raised are used to ensure Galway Simon can be there to support people at risk of homelessness year round.

Fintan Maher of Galway Simon explains, “The Dip at Dawn has become a great event within our community, where people get to take part in a unique experience and have fun, whilst helping others.”

“Unfortunately, the number of people needing our help is ever increasing. The latest emergency accommodation figures released by the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government showed there were 617 people in emergency accommodation across Galway, Mayo and Roscommon.”

“This means that in the West, 119 families and 235 children are facing the possibility of Christmas without a home.”

Galway Simon Community operates a variety of homeless services across Galway, Mayo and Roscommon. 

Their services focus on housing, health and wellbeing, homelessness prevention and support for struggling individuals and families. 

The organisation has supported 1490 people throughout 2023, this figure also includes 415 children. 

Any person interested in taking part in the Dip at Dawn can register here. 

More information on Galway Simon’s work can be found here.