Dip a Day in May 2023
We are thrilled to launch our third Dip a Day in May challenge!
We’re asking all daily dippers, sea swimmers and anyone who is curious about daily dipping to dip every day for the month of May and raise vital funds for Galway Simon Community.
This year our theme is about connection and community so why not use this challenge to take some time to connect with nature, your community and yourself.
To show our appreciation for your continued support, we’re excited to offer each participant a t-shirt with our brand-new Dip a Day in May logo!
Tag us in your daily photos & videos with #dipadayinmay
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 #dipadayinmay challenge ensures we can safeguard our services and continue to protect some of the most vulnerable people in our community.
Why Take the challenge?
1. You will feel AH-MAZING!
Sea swimming (and daily dipping!) is widely recognized for its benefits to your mental health and well-being, helping to relieve chronic joint pain, skin problems, respiratory issues, anxiety and depression. And it’s actually fun!
2. Support people’s right to security, dignity and well-being in their home
We are 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 Housing, Homelessness Prevention and Health & Well-being services in Galway, Mayo and Roscommon.
3. Join us for Dip at Dawn on June 21st
Celebrate the nourishing light of the Summer Solstice and honor the light within at 4:30 am on Wednesday June 21st by joining us for 20 minutes of rejuvenating yoga led by the amazing team at The Yoga Shala and a refreshing dip at Salthill Beach led by Ebb&Flow, followed by a heavenly hot drink courtesy of Salthill’s one and only Barista Bus!
The Summer Solstice reminds us that there is hope in the world, that the light within can spread to the far reaches of our beautiful earth, and that we can nurture and inspire others, just as the sun nurtures and inspires us.
It also gives us the chance to come together for one Big Dip and celebrate completing the Dip a Day in May challenge!
Registration open June 1st
4. Dip a Day Raffle
Be in with a chance to win a number of amazing prizes. More news coming soon to your inbox!
FAQ
Registration
How do I take part?
1. Register here.
2. Activate your iDonate fundraising page. Check your inbox and spam folder for the activation email.
3. Spread the word! Let everyone know you are taking part in the challenge and start fundraising!
How do I register?
Click here and fill in your contact details.
Once you have registered you will receive an email asking you to activate your fundraising page. (Don’t forget to check you spam folder!)
You will also receive a Welcome Pack in the post and a much-coveted ‘Dip a Day’ T-shirt if you have selected to do so.
Can I get my friends, workplace or club involved?
Of course! Just send them a link to this website and encourage them to sign up.
Can I register a team?
Yes, simply choose the Team icon on the registration page and fill in your team’s details.
Activate the team page and share this link so your team members can join your team.
Fundraising
How do I raise money?
We work with a fundraising platform called iDonate.
When you register for the Dip a Day in May challenge a fundraising page will automatically be created for you.
You can share a link to your fundraising page by email, WhatsApp or social media.
Your supporters can click on the link and donate online directly to your personal/team fundraising page.
We suggest sharing your fundraising link with a photo or video of your daily dips so your friends, family and colleagues can see you taking part in the challenge.
Can I fundraise as part of a team?
Yes absolutely! Your individual team members’ fundraising page will be added to your team page and your supporters can also donate directly to your team.
What if I don’t reach my target?
That’s OK. Your target is there to motivate you. The most important thing is that you enjoy the challenge and support Galway Simon’s vital work in our communities.
I have reached my fundraising target. What do I do?
Keep going! Well done on reaching your target and keep up the good work!
What if someone donates by cash or cheque. What do I do?
Great news! You can add offline donations to your iDonate fundraising page by following these 5 steps:
- Select the My Donors option listed on your fundraising page.
- Select the Offline Donations tab.
- Select the Add Donor button.
- Complete the donor information (i.e. donor name, message, date, & donation amount).
- Click the Add button to add/save the offline donation.
You can also send offline donations to our head office. Please make sure to include your name (and your team’s name if necessary) and reference that your donation is for the Dip a Day in May challenge. Please send to:
Galway Simon Community – Dip a Day in May Challenge
U11 Sean Mulvoy Business Centre
Sean Mulvoy Road
Galway
How will my sponsors know that I’ve completed the challenge?
We recommend taking lots of photos/videos of you taking part in the challenge throughout the month of May and sharing them with your donors on WhatsApp, email or your social media.
Where does money donated through iDonate go?
All funds donated through iDonate go directly to Galway Simon Community. You don’t have to worry about this. It happens automatically. 100% of the funds raised go directly towards our Housing, Homelessness Prevention and Well-being Services for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness in the Galway, Mayo and Roscommon.
The Challenge
What is in the Welcome Pack?
Within 3 to 4 working days of registering we will post to you a Welcome Pack containing:
-Welcome letter
-Free T-shirt (if selected)
-Swimming and dipping guide
-Fundraising tips
-Information about our services and the difference the money you raise will make to our clients
How do I get my free t-shirt?
If you have selected to receive a Dip a Day in May t-shirt we will send it out to you in a Welcome Pack within 3 to 4 working days.
What if I can’t swim every day?
Don’t worry if you can’t swim every day of the challenge. The most important thing is to get out there and have fun!
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 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 on shore 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
-Tell someone else where you’re going and when you are due back.
-If in doubt, don’t go out!
Similarly, if you’re injured or feeling unwell, stop your challenge immediately and check in with your GP. Your health and well-being must come first. Even if you don’t complete your challenge, you’ll still have made a difference to those facing homelessness during these difficult times.
What is the average water temperature in May?
The average water temperature in Galway Bay in May is 10 to 12°C. For historical monthly Galway sea water temperatures, go to this website.
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.
Cold Water Safety
How do I stay safe while dipping?
Information on how to take the right safety precautions while outdoor swimming here.
Any Other Questions?
Get in touch with our Karol from our fundraising team on 091 381828 or by emailing [email protected]
