Dip a Day in May Challenge 2022
Galway Simon is asking all sea swimmers, daily dippers, and anyone who has wondered what the attraction of daily swimming is about to join us for the ‘Dip a Day in May’ challenge and raise vital funds for people facing homelessness in Galway, Mayo and Roscommon. As we enter the summer months, what better way to enjoy the finer weather than a dip a day at your nearest beach, lake, river or pier?
Whether it’s a dip in the sea or your nearest river, a paddle in the middle of your kids’ paddling pool, or even a cold shower, ask friends, family and colleagues to sponsor your #DipaDay challenge and support those facing homelessness this summer. If you haven’t already registered on Facebook you can register for the Dip a Day in May Challenge below.
Why Take the challenge?
1. You will feel AH-MAZING!
As with all water therapy, sea swimming (and dipping!) is highly recognized for its benefits to your mental health and wellbeing, helping to relieve chronic joint pain, skin problems, respiratory issues, anxiety and depression.
2. The Big Dip on May 28th
On Saturday May 28th, we will be holding The Big Dip for all our participants to come together in-person for tea/coffee and a chat – it will be a great chance to gather in person having not being able to do so for the last couple of years. While the cold water may bring the calm, the coffee, tea and chats afterwards will bring the warmth!
3. Support people’s right to security, dignity and wellbeing in their home
Galway Simon is relentlessly committed to finding answers to the questions faced by real people in our community at risk of, or experiencing homelessness. The money you raise goes directly to our Prevention, Housing and Health & Wellbeing services in Galway, Mayo and Roscommon.
4. Dip a Day Raffle
Get dipping, start fundraising and be in with a chance to win one of our top secret and fabulous incentive prizes. More details coming soon!
The Difference You Can Make
As high rents and a severe lack of affordable accommodation continue to drive people into homelessness, we are hugely concerned about even more challenges ahead. The money you raise as part of the #DipaDay challenge ensures we can safeguard our homelessness and homelessness prevention services and support those facing homelessness in the West.
How to Take Part?
1. If you haven’t already registered for the challenge on Facebook you can register your participation here.
2. Join our dedicated #DipaDay in May Facebook Group or advice, support and friendship with dippers just like you.
3. Set up your Facebook Fundraiser.
By setting up your Facebook Fundraiser, you’ll receive:
– Your starter pack and your Dip a Day t-shirt
– Some swimming advice and safety tips
– Your fundraising guide
Not on Facebook? No worries! Simply email me and I’ll get right back to you about other ways you can fundraise both on and offline.
Make sure to tag Galway Simon in your #DipaDay photos as you take part each day!
Facebook: @galwaysimon Instagram: @galwaysimoncommunity Twitter: @galwaysimon
For more information, get in touch with Karol on 091 381828 or email [email protected],ie.
Fundraising Tips
Set a Goal
Setting a fundraising goal is a great motivator to help you reach your target and will also encourage your family and friends to support you to help you get there!
Tell Your Story
Use your fundraising page to tell your story about why you’re doing the Dip a Day in May or who inspired you to raise funds to support people facing homelessness in the West of Ireland. If people know why you are fundraising, they will be more likely to donate towards your cause.
Give Updates
Keep your friends and families up to date and give them regular updates on social media. Share photos of you doing your dips in your Dip a Day t-shirt. It’s a great way to thank those that have donated already and who knows- it could encourage them to donate again!
Let Everyone Know
Share your online Facebook Fundraiser on your Facebook, Instagram, Whatsapp or even Tik Tok. And don’t forget about email! Have your fundraising link in your email signature.
Don’t forget to tag us so we can like and share. Tag us on Facebook: @galwaysimon Instagram: @galwaysimoncommunity Twitter: @galwaysimon with the hashtag, #DipaDay we can help you spread the word!
Show Your Gratitude
Any time someone makes a donation, remember to thank them with a quick email or a status update on social media.
We Are Here to Help
Our fundraising team is here to help. Give Karol a call on 091-381828 or email [email protected],ie.
Water Safety Guides
Open Water Swimming Guide
Water Safety Ireland Hypothermia Leaflet
FAQ
How do I take part?
1. If you haven’t already registered for the challenge on Facebook you can register your participation here.
2. Join our dedicated #DipaDay in May Facebook Group or advice, support and friendship with dippers just like you.
3. Set up your Facebook Fundraiser.
What if I am not on Facebook?
If you are not on Facebook, don’t worry! Just contact Karol Cooke at [email protected] or phone 091-381828.
How do I raise money?
See our section on Fundraising Tips above.
What if I don’t complete the challenge?
Don’t worry if you can’t dip every day of the challenge. The most important thing is to get out there and have fun! Why not tag team your daily dips with a friend? Or make up the days you’ve missed by carrying the challenge through June and beyond!
How can I do this challenge during Covid-19 restrictions?
All restrictions are currently lifted.
Wherever you take your dip, please be sure to follow Public Health Guidelines at all times.
How do I get my free Dip A Day t-shirt?
Once you have set-up your fundraising page we will organise your Fundraising Pack, which includes your free t-shirt, swimming tips, safety advice and more. Packs will be available for collection from our offices the week before the challenge begins.
Where: Galway Simon Community, 11 Sean Mulvoy Rd, Sean Mulvoy Centre, Galway, H91 EAY0
When: Monday to Friday, 25th – 29th April.
Time: 9am – 7pm
You can learn how to set-up you Facebook Fundraiser under the question below, How do I set-up my Facebook Fundraiser?
If you live outside of Galway city or are unable to collect your Fundraising Pack on these dates please get in touch and we will post it to you.
If you are not on Facebook you can set-up an online fundraiser on iDonate, or contact me directly if you would prefer to fundraise with a sponsorship card. Once, we have confirmed you are set-up for fundraising we will organise your Fundraising Pack, as above.
What happens if I cannot complete my challenge due to bad weather or an injury?
If there is any risk of bad weather or other unsafe conditions, please stop your challenge immediately. Your safety is the number one priority. We would ask all participants to pay close attention to the following guidelines as advised by the RNLI and Irish Coast Guard.
- Always check the weather forecast and understand the local effects of wind, tides and currents.
- Never swim alone and have somebody ashore who is familiar with your plans and ideally can observe your progress.
- Only swim in sheltered areas with which you are familiar and swim parallel to the shore.
- Ensure that you are visible from the shore. Wear a brightly coloured swim cap or use a tow float to increase your visibility in the water.
- Wearing a wetsuit is advisable to help stay warm.
- Slowly acclimatise to cold water to reduce the risk of cold-water shock.
- Get warmed up afterwards. Wrap up well in extra layers of clothing
- If in doubt, don’t go out!
- Tell someone else where you’re going and when you are due back.
Similarly, if you’re injured or feeling unwell, stop your challenge immediately and check in with your GP. Your health and wellbeing must come first. Even if you don’t complete your challenge and reach your target, you’ll still have made a difference to those facing homelessness during these difficult times.
What is the average water temperature in May?
I live outside of Ireland; can I still take part?
Of course! The Dip a Day in May Challenge is open to everyone, everywhere! The only difference for overseas participants is that it may take longer to receive your t-shirt by post.
Make sure to personalise the description on your fundraiser too – Facebook won’t let you have more than one fundraiser for the same charity without personalising the description.
How do I set-up my Facebook Fundraiser
Step 1: Put your name and Dip a Day in the title eg. ‘Karol’s Dip a Day in May Challenge for Galway Simon’.
Step 2: Enter how much you hope to raise.
Step 3: Change the end date to June 6th, 2022. This ensures your fundraising page works for the entire challenge and your friends and family have ample time to support your challenge.
How do I join the Facebook Group?
You can join the Facebook Group here
Where does money donated through Facebook go?
All Facebook funds go directly to Galway Simon Community. You don’t have to worry about this. It happens automatically. 100% of funds will go towards our Prevention, Housing and Support Services for those at risk of, or experiencing homelessness in the Galway, Mayo and Roscommon.
What do I do if a friend wants to donate but doesn’t have Facebook?
They can give you the money directly, and you can donate to your Facebook Fundraiser* on their behalf. Alternatively, they can donate directly to Galway Simon on our website** here.
*Facebook has very strict money laundering rules; therefore their algorithms may not allow you to donate money to your own fundraising page. In this event, please donate the money through our website clearly indicating the money donated is part of your Dip a Day Challenge, and we will take care of the rest.
**Please ask them to add your name and Dip a Day in the comment box.
If you’d prefer to raise funds offline, we’d also be happy to send you a sponsorship card, please email [email protected] to request your card.
My Facebook Fundraiser has ended but I haven’t finished the challenge. What should I do?
You can copy the info from your Facebook Fundraising Page and start a new one – just make sure you enter the correct closing date of June 6th.
Any Other Questions?
Pop them into the Dip a Day in May Facebook group, or get in touch with Karol from our fundraising team on 091 381828 or by emailing [email protected]
