CALLING ALL PARENTS: are you ready for one last hurrah this summer?

DUBLIN Simon Community is calling on all households to join the Dublin Simon Staycation and camp out for the last weekend in August.

The Dublin Simon Staycation invites you to camp out in the garden, the balcony or even the living room this August 28 and 29 and harness those holiday vibes. Treat the kids to one last hurrah by having a water fight, building a fort, going for a picnic or grilling a BBQ. End your fun-filled day by sleeping under the stars and help teach your kids about those less fortunate than themselves while raising much-needed funds for Dublin Simon Community’s vital life-saving services.

The Dublin Simon Staycation is a ticketed event, with each household being asked to pay either €20 or €25 to take part. All ticket sales will go directly towards people experiencing homelessness in Dublin and the surrounding counties.

€20 could buy a personal care kit containing new socks & underwear, wipes, deodorant, body wash and tissues for someone who is sleeping rough

€25 could buy bedding to help keep someone warm at night in supported accommodation

Upon registration, participants will receive a bumper pack of activity ideas, recipes, stickers and a printed boarding pass.

Those taking part are encouraged to photograph their Dublin Simon Staycation and share with us on social media by using the hashtag #SimonStaycation. The best picture will be announced and posted on the Dublin Simon social media channels the following week.

Speaking about the event, Campaign Manager Kate Kavanagh said: “Throughout the pandemic, we have all been mindful of the directions to stay at home and then holiday at home as the summer unfolded. “Home has become our refuge and our vehicle to get us through these strange and challenging times. Sadly, as a result, people living in homelessness have never felt their vulnerability more acutely.

“The Dublin Simon Staycation is a chance to grab the family or the housemates to appreciate the comforts of home. It’s also traditionally the last weekend before the kids go back to school, so we want everyone to enjoy it while also raising vital funds for people experiencing homelessness in Dublin and the surrounding counties.”

To find out more about the Simon Staycation, visit dubsimon.ie or register now at https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/simon-staycation-tickets-113619043618