McElhinneys are delighted to announce they raised a grand total of €9,038 in aid of the North West Simon Community during their Staff Sleepout for Simon and wish to thank everyone kindly who donated in aid of this amazing cause.
Staff and Management that took part in the Sleepout on the 10th November were overjoyed to present a cheque to Collette Ferguson, the Fundraising Development Officer for Donegal, which will go on to help families and individuals in Donegal, Leitrim & Sligo.
John McElhinney, ahead of the Sleepout, had this to say, “What this has done, for me personally, is that I realised homelessness is such a problem in Donegal and we need to make people aware of it.”
It is easy to turn a blind eye to homelessness, thinking it’s not an issue in rural Ireland, and that the problem is not one any of us will ever have to face. However, statistics show it is here in the North West, and it is affecting individuals and families in Donegal, and it could happen to any of us. The reality is, most of us are just a few pay cheques away from a similar situation.
Ireland is set to reach 10,000 homeless people for the first time in history very soon as numbers continue to rise across the country, and around 4,000 of those are children.
The North West Simon Community provide their services and support to those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness in Donegal, Leitrim & Sligo. McElhinneys hope that by raising awareness and funds they can at least do their part to help this amazing organisation.
The staff gave up home comforts, swapping a cosy bed for cardboard and a sleeping bag, for one night in solidarity with those living this life full time.
Management & Staff in McElhinneys would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who supported on the night, for the generosity of the public, surrounding businesses, and friends and family of McElhinneys.
A special mention to Benny & Co in Ballybofey, Denis & Mary O’Connor, Pats Pizza in Letterkenny and China Tower Ballybofey for donating hot food to us, and The Fine Bedding Company for supplying 10 Duvets that will be donated to charity. Also thank you to Jason Quigley for sleeping out on the night with the staff. To the Cappry Rovers for donating €5 from every ticket sold for their draw on Saturday the 10th.
Finally, to everyone who helped spread the word, shared the Go Fund Me Page, sponsored staff members, donated money online or donated to buckets on the night.
- Niamh x
