As Midlands Simon are holding one of their biggest fundraisers for the year, they are looking for volunteers to spare an hour or two of their time.
Their Church Gate collection on Saturday and Sunday, August 12/13, aims to raise vital funds for Midlands Simon.
“We get the smallest percentage of funding for homelessness in the country,” said Founding Director of the Midlands Simon Community, Cormac Lally.
Cormac is keen to stress that the charity gives the money it raises to those who need it, and that the funds raised in Laois remain in Laois.
“The money we raise goes to the clients. We are very lucky to have very little admin costs and all funds raised in Laois are utilised in Laois.”
Some of the services Midlands Simon provides includes emergency accomodation, housing with support to prevent a relapse into homelessness, a regional settlement service and a community liaison nurse.
However, Cormac says that their services are pushed to the limit.
“Our temporary accomodation is completely full every day of the year. We easily have the need to double our services if the cash was available.”
So how can an ordinary member of the public help? “There are three ways you can help,” says Cormac. “You can volunteer to fundraise either at our Church Gate collection or Sleep Out for Simon, you can organise your own fundraising event or you could donate money.”
To get involved in the upcoming Church Gate collection or any other fundraising events call 086 241 6322 or 086 122 3421.
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