Simon Community NI is calling on people to run this year’s Belfast Marathon to raise money for people experiencing homelessness in Northern Ireland.
Simon Community NI accommodates 2000 – 3000 people experiencing homelessness every year, and we are appealing to people and businesses to enter the full marathon or the relay, and gather sponsorship on our behalf.
The Belfast Marathon has generated over £10,000 for Simon Community NI over the past two years and this year we hope to raise even more money for vital services.
“The marathon can be a fantastic team building experience for businesses, as the training can be done together and there is a real cumulative sense of achievement when the marathon is completed. The relay option works well for this as up to five people can each run a leg of the course, so it is more manageable for people who are not used to long distance running.”
Brian Shanks – Corporate Fundraising Manager
Previous funds generated from the Belfast Marathon have supported our Harm Reduction and Dual Diagnosis services, which support people experiencing homelessness with complex needs including mental ill health and substance addictions.
The teams providing these critical services help people manage and overcome issues that can be contributing factors to their experiencing homelessness; and so support people to positively move on to successful independent living.
“Homelessness is not an isolated issue, it is often the result of a combination of complex issues that need to be addressed before independent living can be achieved. Raising money for these services is vitally important to our overall goal to end homelessness in Northern Ireland and we are so appreciative of anyone and everyone who makes the effort to run for us at this year’s Belfast Marathon.”
Kevin Bailey – Director of Homelessness Services
If you are interested in running the Belfast Marathon on behalf of Simon Community NI, register to run at www.belfastcitymarathon.com and choose Simon Community NI as your charity. Then get in touch with us at fundraise@simoncommunity.org for support and your free Simon Community NI branded breathable running t shirt.