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Early Days on Thursday's Soup Run

Like most new Soup Run volunteers, I signed up with high expectations and some pre-conceived notions. Now that I had been interviewed, inducted and trained it was time to set out and discover reality rather than anticipation!

Assembling in Capel St. on my first evening, I was introduced to new names, faces and lots of chat and banter. Immediately you sense the real empathy amongst volunteers with the challenges faced by Dublin’s homeless community. The more experienced talk you through the normal routine. The bags of sandwiches and flasks have been prepared and packed and the routes for the evening are agreed and allocated to teams.

The real experience begins as you set off, always in groups of at least two, and head into the busy evening bustle around Temple Bar, Stephens Green, Grafton Street, Dawson Street etc. Experienced volunteers know many of the regulars, some who have been homeless for years. I was really impressed by the personal contact with each individual. Everybody gets just the amount of attention that suits their particular needs. The relationship that develops between volunteer and client is personal but professional. The variety of backgrounds and circumstances that has resulted in each person becoming homeless is a real eye opener. The challenging situation of people recently arrived in Dublin, with limited English and no family support, is just one recent example of homelessness.

As the weeks pass you join different teams and learn more routes. The homeless clients are a lively group of unique individuals, who are very appreciative of the support provided by Dublin Simon. Like all of us, they have their moments, but not in a manner that has ever left me feeling the slightest bit intimidated. Most people find the reality of volunteering really rewarding; I have hugely enjoyed the experience. The soup run provides a crucial link between homeless people and the wider services provided by Dublin Simon.

Dick O’Driscoll, 2011

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Deutsche Bank: Workplace Fundraising Success

Dublin Simon’s workplace fundraising initiative receives invaluable support from the business community and plays a significant role in helping us maintain our services.

Deutsche Bank, a leading global investment bank operating in Ireland since 1994, is a great example of how workplace fundraising works. In 2010, Deutsche Bank employees nominated Dublin Simon as their Charity of the Year and were eager for active involvement with the charity.

The staff wasted no time and started workplace fundraising with office Olympics, game shows, table quizzes, soccer tournaments, raffles, dressdown days, and took part in Dublin Simon organised events such as the Flora Women’s Mini Marathon, Dublin City Marathon and our annual Fun Run.

Deutsche Bank staff also completed a daylong project to refurbish five rooms in our Ushers Island facility (see picture above). The aim was to redecorate and provide soft furnishings for each room to make them homely and welcoming for people accessing this service.

Due to the dedication and commitment of the staff of Deutsche Bank, the company also made a significant donation on top of the amount raised through workplace fundraising. All these efforts have gone a long way in helping Dublin Simon move people out of homelessness and to start rebuilding their lives.

Dublin Simon Community is delighted that Deutsche Bank will again collaborate with us in 2011 and continue giving their valuable support to homeless programs in Dublin.

To find out more on how your company can get involved, please contact our fundraising team today on 01 671 5551.

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Volunteer Sizzling Summer BBQ

The Volunteer Summer BBQ is taking place on the longest day of the year, June 21st! All part-time and full-time volunteers are invited to join in at the D2 Beer Garden in the Harcourt Hotel from 6.30pm – 8.30pm.
It’s bound to be a great night so let Sharon know if you are available to attend at by emailing her. Download full poster details here

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New Wedding Favours and Gifts Available

Are you getting married soon? Do you want to present your guests with a gift that will really make a difference? In lieu of wedding favours, consider donating to the Dublin Simon Community and help with our efforts to support people experiencing homelessness in Dublin, Wicklow and Kildare.

To mark your donation, Dublin Simon will supply you with small cards that sit neatly on the tables at your wedding reception. The cards will inform guests of your donation and give a brief description of the work Dublin Simon are involved in.

If you would like more information on a donation to Dublin Simon in lieu of wedding favours, please contact Ellen at this Email.  

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Yoga in the Phoenix Park

After a long, cold winter, summer is finally here and Yoga in the Park has returned with a brand new location beside the bandstand in the Phoenix Park. This year, Fiona from Two Palms Yoga will run Hatha Yoga classes every Saturday from 11.00am to 12.00pm.

The class caters for all ages and levels so feel free to bring your friends, grannies or kids! If you don’t have a yoga mat just bring a towel, don’t forget sunscreen and those all-important sunnies. No reservation is required so just turn up on the day and if it rains the group will move to the bandstand, but stay positive that the sun will shine! The class is run on a donation basis so whatever you can afford will go directly to the Dublin Simon Community, and help contribute towards our work with people experiencing homelessness in Dublin.
If you are interested in attending the class, please see the Two Palms Yoga website for more information.

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Help Our Church Gate Collections 

We urgently need fundraising volunteers for Dublin Simon church gate collections! For over 40 years, Dublin Simon Community has funded its services with a number of community events, including our annual church gate collections.

These collections are particularly important to us but we can’t without do them without you! So if you would be happy to give up a few hours on a Sunday morning and help raise money for a vital cause in your local area please contact us. The collections are organised by Dublin Simon so the only requirement from volunteers is to turn up after each mass on a particular weekend and shake a bucket in aid of Dublin Simon. If you would like to help at a collection in your locality please email Emma. Thank you for your support.

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2011 - European Year of Volunteering

2011 has been designated the European Year of Volunteering (EYV2011) both to celebrate the work of volunteers across Europe and to encourage those who do not currently volunteer to get involved, so they too can make a difference.

Why Have a European Year of Volunteering?
There is a need to increase volunteering and the awareness of the added value it brings to our society; to celebrate volunteers; involve more volunteers; and improve the structures that support volunteering.

The efforts of volunteers and volunteer organisations make a huge difference to our lives, locally and nationally. EYV2011 aims to recognise the impact that volunteering activities have on society and celebrate the commitment of the millions of people across Europe who volunteer.

EYV2011 recognises the value which volunteering inherently provides to communities. Volunteering promotes social and economic development at a local, national and international level.

Who Can Contribute to EYV2011?

Everyone – including YOU!   
Below are some suggested ideas of how you could contribute and of course the Dublin Simon Community volunteering office would love to hear from you with any ideas that you may have.  
Lets work together to celebrate the work of Dublin Simon volunteers and raise awareness of opportunities for any potential volunteers out there.  
Please submit ideas to ptv@dubsimon.ie or ftv@dubsimon.ie

Suggested ways to contribute

• Submit an article about your volunteering experience to the volunteer office for inclusion in internal and external publications
• Attend Dublin Simon volunteer social events
  
• Attend Dublin Simon volunteer recognition events
  
• Attend Dublin Simon volunteer training courses
  
• Tell your friends, family and colleagues about the work that Dublin Simon volunteers do and promote Dublin Simon volunteering opportunities
  

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