The Galway Simon Community is again hosting its annual Dip at Dawn this Winter Solstice – to support those facing the trauma of homelessness across Galway, Mayo and Roscommon.

Galway Simon Community is inviting all to take the challenge, don the swimwear and join with colleagues, friends and family at 8.30am on Sunday, December 21, for an invigorating dip at Salthill Beach and help tackle homelessness.

“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,” said Fintan Maher of Galway Simon.

“The latest Emergency Accommodation figures released by the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government showed there were 632 people in Emergency Accommodation across Galway, Mayo and Roscommon.

“This means that in the West, 109 families and 212 children are facing the possibility of spending Christmas without a home.

“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,” he added.

Laragh Cunningham and Sarah Thornton from SoulMoves will ensure all are nice and limber after some warm-up exercises and then the Dip at Dawn crew will lead participants in taking the plunge as the sun rises.

If that isn’t enough to warm your heart, then the 79G coffee van will be at the ready with hot drinks after your dip.

Registration for the event is €30. To register and for more information visit https://galwaysimon.ie/dip.

If you don’t feel like taking a dip, there are many other ways you can contribute and help Galway Simon keep people out of Emergency Accommodation and in their own homes this Christmas.

You can host a Christmas Jumper Day, organise your own fundraising event or make a donation. All information can be found at www.galwaysimon.ie or call 091 38 18 28 to give a life-changing gift to Galway Simon Community today.

Pictured: Heads together…participants at a previous Galway Simon Dip at Dawn.