Participants are being invited to take part in the second annual Laois Sleep Out for Simon event, to take place in Portlaoise next month.
The Midlands Simon Community and the Laois Friends of Simon are appealing to everyone to get involved in the sleep out to raise much needed funds.
The event will see people sleep rough for one night in O’Moore Park GAA grounds in Portlaoise on Friday October 20.
In 2016, almost 200 people took the challenge in the inaugural Sleep out for Simon event, raising in excess of €30,000.
“Last year was superb,” said Midlands Simon founder, Cormac Lally.
“This year we would like to see as many clubs and organisations as possible taking part, to see what it is like to sleep out” he said.
“It really gives people an idea what it is like to sleep outdoors on a piece of cardboard,” he said.
All funds raised in Laois stay in the county to be used to offer a wide range of support services for those who are homeless.
Clients
Simon currently has 30 clients on their books, which Mr Lally said involves around 45 people, as each case is not always confined to individuals.
Their services involve providing people with accommodation and food and follow-up support.
It can take up to six months until people are fully independent again.
“We have a success rate of 82% for people in Laois who are able to go on to live independently,” Mr Lally said.
He said the challenge of homelessness is a constant one. “It is certainly not getting any better,” he said.
Sponsorship cards and flyers are now available from the Simon Community shop on Main Street in Portlaoise, from chairperson of Laois Friends of Midlands Simon Michael Martin – 086 1223421 and from Mr Lally – 086 2416322.
All that is required for fundraising participants are a sleeping bag, pillow, warm clothes and a hot water bottle if desired.
Anyone with a musical talent is asked to take instruments along for a sing along session that will take place on the night from 11pm until 12.30am.
Colossal
“The feedback from last year was absolutely colossal. Straight away people were asking when were we having the next one,” Mr Lally said.
Along with this major fundraiser, a recent churchgate in Laois raised €14,150.
Mr Lally thanked Laois GAA and Carphone Warehouse, Portlaoise, who have given their fundraising a headstart with donations of €1,000 each.
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