Although we may not have heard a lot about it because of Covid-19, homelessness in Galway has not gone away in 2020. According to the latest Government figures, there were 368 people, including 50 families and 116 children, living in emergency accommodation in the west.
The Galway Simon Community is a leading provider of homelessness prevention services in the West of Ireland. The Simon Communities throughout Ireland provide the best possible care, accommodation and support to over 16,700 people every year. Simon tackles the root causes, promotes innovative responses and urges the government to fulfil their commitments to reducing homelessness in Ireland.
At Acorn Insurance, we always endeavour to give back to our community. Since 2018, we have been supporting Galway Simon at Christmas in various ways and this year, we have donated €3,000 in Dunnes Stores voucher to be used as a way of supporting Galway Simon Service Users, not just a Christmas but right through 2021.. Our heartfelt hope is that the vouchers will provide relief at some level to a Galway family in 2021.
This is part of our overall initiative in supporting those in need this Christmas. We sponsored the Knights Before Christmas virtual concert from Galway Cathedral, which took place on Saturday, 12th December, with 100% of the proceeds going to the charity, Hand in Hand. Hand in Hand is practical and emotional support for families in Ireland whose lives have been affected by childhood cancer.
If you would like to join us in supporting either of these worthy causes this Christmas, please simply visit Galway Simon or visit Hand in Hand.