CREW
Community Growth & Partnership Development Lead
Experiencing the Other Side of Christmas: Why I’m Joining the COPE Galway Sleep Out 2025
For many years working in hospitality, Christmas has always been about celebration — the parties, the laughter, and the warmth of people coming together. I’ve spent countless festive nights helping others enjoy these moments, and it made me wonder: what about those for whom this season brings cold, uncertainty, or loneliness?
This year, I’ve decided to take part in the COPE Galway Sleep Out 2025 to experience, in a small and humbling way, the reality of facing the night without shelter. It’s not about comparing my experience to the struggles of those who are homeless — it’s about standing in solidarity, raising awareness, and doing what I can to support COPE Galway’s life-changing work.
COPE Galway provides critical services for people experiencing homelessness, domestic abuse, and social isolation. Every donation raised through the Sleep Out goes directly back into our community, helping individuals and families rebuild their lives with safety, dignity, and hope.
Taking part in this event is a reminder of how fortunate many of us are, and how vital it is to show compassion for those facing hardship. I hope that by sharing my experience, I can encourage others to support COPE Galway — whether through donations, volunteering, or simply spreading awareness. Together, we can make sure that no one in Galway has to face the night alone.
I’m Sleeping Out on Shop Street for COPE Galway
On Friday, 5th December, I’m taking part in the COPE Galway Business Leaders Sleep Out. This annual event raises vital funds for COPE Galway’s homeless services.
COPE Galway provide more than just shelter. The funds raised through this event are used to provide a range of supports including nutritious meals, safe accommodation, practical essentials, and the wraparound supports people need to transition out of homelessness.
After years in hospitality, Christmas meant celebration and warmth. This year, I’m joining the COPE Galway Sleep Out to face the darker side of those nights and support their incredible local work helping those support to ensure that more people have a safe place to call home this Christmas.
Please support my Sleep Out - your donation will make a real difference.
