The North West branch of the Simon Community held their annual sleepout on Letterkenny’s Market Square on Friday night. The event was launched by Mayor James Pat Mc Daid who highly commended the daily work done by The Simon Community.
The North West Simon Community is an organisation that works tirelessly to prevent homelessness in Donegal, Sligo, and Leitrim.
One lady who took part in the sleepout commented; “It was a great event, surrounded by amazing people even thought it was bitterly cold we have to realise we all had nice warm beds to go home to unlike so many others.”
Local businesses did their bit to help those participating by helping in any way they could. The Brewery Bar delivered freshly made sandwiches and soup for the volunteers, followed up by delicious pizzas from Pat’s Pizza, and the support and hospitality from the Four Lanterns. The hotels and bars throughout Letterkenny were very welcoming of the volunteers during the collection, too.
The Simon Community thanks all who donated, including passers-by and ‘not to forget those who even gave us a good aul sing song!’, including Noel Sweeney of Swilly Driving School of Motoring who kept everyone entertained, and even managed to nod off for a while!
They also extended their gratitude to their volunteers, saying “thank you to the wonderful bunch of volunteers for getting involved and for making the night such a flawless and enjoyable night to include: AIB team Lettekenny, Menarys Letterkenny, United Health Care team. Jason Black and Voodoo Venue Letterkenny for supporting the event each year and for your continued support to North West Simon Community.”
“To end, thank you all for helping make a difference to Simon in your Community and please spare a thought tonight for all those individuals and families throughout Ireland who are currently homeless.”