Public support sought for Athlone Sleep Out for Simon

The Midlands Simon Community is seeking local participants for a special sleep out on Good Friday in Athlone.

The Sleep Out for Simon is aimed at the general public in the Athlone, South Westmeath and South Roscommon region and is being run in conjunction with the Westmeath Independent.

The event will be held at Athlone GAA grounds on Good Friday night.

It follows on similar events held in recent times in Longford, Mullingar, Tullamore and Portlaoise, which attracted huge numbers of participants from the respective local communities.

Participants are asked to raise funds through the use of sponsorship cards (which are available from the Midlands Simon Community or from the Westmeath Independent offices).

The funds will be used by the Midlands Simon Community to support its services in the region,

CEO of Midlands Simon Community Tony O'Riordan explained that although some people had the belief that there was no homeless problem locally, he said the service was currently supporting 50 people each week in Athlone.

These people were either in hostels, in Simon's emergency service, supported accommodation or in houses that Simon is leasing itself.

In Athlone, Midlands Simon operates the only emergency service for single males over 18 in Westmeath.

Although it is being run at a fraction of what it would cost the State to operate, there still remained a gap between what the State gives Midlands Simon and the actual cost of running the emergency service.

At present, the funding deficit amount to €25 per bed per night for six beds 365 days a year and the funds raised from the Sleep Out would help to sustain the emergency service.

The Sleep Out for Simon takes place in Athlone GAA on Good Friday night, April 14.

Participants will register at 9pm. There will be a welcome address at 10.30pm and refreshments will be served. A sing-alnog music session will take place from 11.30pm to 1am before those taking part are encouraged to sleep out.

Requirements on the night include sleeping bag and cardboard, pillow, warm clothes and a hot water bottle.

 

For further information or to obtain sponsorship cards contact Irene Keenan on 087 9310715.