Galway Simon Community Hosts Annual Dip at Dawn for Homelessness

The Galway Simon Community is set to host its annual **Dip at Dawn** on **December 21, 2023**, coinciding with the Winter Solstice. The event aims to raise funds and awareness for those facing homelessness in Galway, Mayo, and Roscommon. Participants are encouraged to wear swimwear and join friends, family, and colleagues at **Salthill Beach** at **08:30** for this invigorating challenge.

Fintan Maher, a representative from Galway Simon, stated, “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 while helping others. Unfortunately, the number of people needing our help is ever increasing.”

Recent statistics from the **Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government** reveal that **632 people** are currently in emergency accommodation across the three counties. This troubling figure includes **109 families** and **212 children**, many of whom may face spending Christmas without a home.

The funds raised during the Dip at Dawn will be crucial for supporting those who are at risk of losing their homes during the festive season. Maher emphasized the importance of the event, stating, “The vital funds raised by the Dip at Dawn, and our many other ways to give, ensure we can be there to support those in our community living with the fear of losing their home this Christmas.”

Participants in the event will be guided through warm-up exercises led by **Laragh Cunningham** and **Sarah Thornton** from SoulMoves. As the sun rises, the Dip at Dawn crew will lead everyone into the chilly waters, creating a memorable experience while contributing to a vital cause. To warm up after the swim, the **79G coffee van** will be on-site, providing hot drinks for participants.

Registration for the event is set at **€30**. Interested individuals can find more details and sign up by visiting the Galway Simon Community website at [https://galwaysimon.ie/dip](https://galwaysimon.ie/dip).

For those who prefer not to take the plunge, there are numerous other ways to support Galway Simon this holiday season. Options include organizing a **Christmas Jumper Day**, hosting a personal fundraising event, or making a direct donation. Additional information is available at **www.galwaysimon.ie** or by calling **091 38 18 28**.

The Dip at Dawn has become a cherished tradition in the Galway community, bringing people together for a worthy cause while highlighting the urgent need to address homelessness in the region. As the event approaches, the Galway Simon Community encourages widespread participation and support to make a significant impact in the lives of those affected by homelessness this Christmas.