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Every year at Christmas we reach out to our supporters through our Christmas appeal. Again this year, we have been blown away by the response we have received. In addition to much needed financial donations, many supporters returned Christmas tree decorations with heartfelt messages for our clients.
These decorations are put on the trees in our housing services for clients to read over Christmas. The photo above shows the Christmas tree in one of our housing services. Knowing that the wider community cares about them, gives our clients a real lift.
These messages really do make a difference. Last year one of our clients shared with us how the messages made her feel.‘It felt good knowing that there’s support out there and that people aren’t alone in their journey. It’s good to know that if you do reach out, there’s people there… When you see all the messages and these people don’t even know you but they still say ‘hope you have a great Christmas’ and they’re so supportive, you’ll get through it’ – Client, Galway SimonThis time of year can be a particularly difficult and lonely for our clients. Christmas is usually a time associated with family and love, and unfortunately, for some of our clients they do not have that sense of family or feel like they have anyone to celebrate with. We try to ensure that our clients feel like they are a part of a community, especially at this time of the year, and this is why your messages can mean so much.‘I find that most of the clients will spend a lot of time in their rooms and keep to themselves on Christmas Day. So it’s important to just see past that and try and create a group dynamic where they can possibly interact with others. Just things to do like watching a film together. It’s the little things, that might not seem like a lot but to them it’s a lot more than just the film, it’s a sense of belonging and companionship, with the staff and the clients together.” – Staff member, Galway SimonWe would like to thank each and every person who supported us this year and made it possible for Galway Simon to continue to help those in need of our services. On behalf of the clients, staff and board members at Galway Simon Community, we wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!