Take on the ‘Steps for Simon’ Challenge to Tackle Homelessness

Are you ready to step up and take the challenge? Galway Simon Community is calling on people across the West of Ireland to walk, jog or run 150k throughout the month of May. With every step you take you’ll help raise vital charity funds and support those facing homelessness in Galway, Mayo and Roscommon. Find out more here...

With the growing homelessness crisis in the West, this local charity is encouraging people to join them by partaking in Steps for Simon. For 31 days in May you can make every step count, be it as part of a team or going solo. If that isn’t enough incentive, the first 150 sign-ups will receive a Galway Simon Community T-shirt to wear with pride as they take the challenge, so SIGN UP NOW.

Fintan Maher, Head of Fundraising for Galway Simon Community explains the idea behind this new initiative and the difference you can make by taking the challenge, saying; "We’re delighted to be launching Steps for Simon this year, where people can put their best foot forward for the month of May and help support those facing homelessness in their community. What we love about this challenge is that everyone can set their own pace to suit their lifestyle and make it as enjoyable or challenging as they like. Every step taken will help improve the participants fitness and also have a positive impact on the life of someone in their community."

"Homelessness is affecting all demographics: young, old, singles, families, unemployed, employed--all under extreme pressure and many being left with nowhere to call home. 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. 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 at the end of February showed there was a record 681 people in Emergency Accommodation across Galway, Mayo and Roscommon. This means that in the West, 120 families and 248 children have no place to call home. We believe timely support prevents entry into entrenched homelessness. That’s why we’re asking people to take the Steps for Simon challenge and in doing so, know that the funds raised will help support people in their community."

To register for the Steps for Simon challenge and to be one of the first 150 people to get your free T-shirt, visit https://galwaysimon.ie/steps to sign up now.

Participants who raise over €150 will also be entered into a draw with a chance to win a FitBit Fitness Tracker, kindly sponsored by Cunniffe Electric Galway.

100% of proceeds raised 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.