A TRAILBLAZING new social grocery project will be the beneficiary of the major annual fundraiser for Mid West Simon, the homeless charity has announced.
This year’s Mid West Simon fundraising ball will focus on raising cash for the charity’s social grocery project, a pioneering concept designed to combat food poverty in Limerick City.
With help from the JP McManus Pro Am, as reported by this newspaper earlier this month, the building for the social grocery has already been purchased and Simon is now looking to raise vital funds for its renovation.
Scheduled to open in 2025, the social grocery will operate as a social enterprise, offering groceries at reduced prices to those in need. However, it will be much more than just a place to buy food.
A Simon spokesperson explained the store “will be a resource centre aimed at empowering individuals and families by providing them with access to fresh, nutritious food, essential items, and a variety of support services and training courses”.
The fundraising ball will take place on Friday September 28 from 6.30pm in The Strand Hotel.
Launching the charity ball, Mayor John Moran said that “homelessness, addiction, and many other issues like domestic violence are challenges we know only too well in Limerick.”
“The work of the Mid West Simon Community is a vital part of our collective efforts to address these issues, providing not just shelter, but a sense of respect and hope for our most vulnerable members of our community.”
As an organisation, the Mid West Simon Community has made significant strides in enhancing its services in collaboration with the local authority.
One such project is the redevelopment of a once derelict building in Limerick city centre. This project will provide permanent housing for five elderly residents and is due to be completed this October.
Interim CEO for Mid West Simon Community, Eleshia Fahy, said that “the funds raised at this year’s ball are crucial in enabling us to expand and enhance our services throughout the Mid West region”.
For more information or to reserve tickets, contact [email protected] or phone 085 801 9325.
