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Thank You to the Galway Community.

Your kindness and generosity positively impact our community in so many ways. 

At COPE Galway, we cherish our special relationship with you, the Galway Community. Your compassion and generous support have made a positive difference in the lives of almost 3,500 people who relied on our homeless, domestic abuse and senior support services last year.

In 2025, as we mark sixty years of improving lives and strengthening communities, we do so with immense gratitude. Everything we achieve is made possible by you, the people of Galway. On behalf of the entire COPE Galway team, I want to offer a sincere and heartfelt THANK YOU – for always being there.

The Galway community embodies the spirit of ‘meitheal’ – neighbours coming together so no one faces life’s challenges alone. COPE Galway is deeply woven into its fabric.

When people come to us, they find a safety net – one stitched together by your kindness, reminding us that community isn’t just where we live – it’s who we are.

Last year, our 255 volunteers were the heartbeat of COPE Galway. In 2024, they produced and delivered almost 100,000 nutritious meals. They offered a Homework Club to children residing in emergency accommodation, and time away from the confines of their B&B room. Over the summer, 50 incredible volunteers helped us open our new charity shop at Newtownsmith.

Thanks to your support, a new ocean-themed play space, our ‘Yellow Submaroom’, is available to the 250 children using our service for homeless families. Parents can discuss their options with our staff, while their children also receive crucial support.

Our domestic abuse service team modified spaces at Modh Eile House to accommodate women and children with autism, and introduced a soothing comfort room, providing a calming sanctuary during stressful times.

Our newly renovated Community Bungalow in Mervue is now a thriving centre of activity for over 176 local seniors. Having this space promotes healthy ageing through exercise, social interaction and creativity.

At Christmas, you helped ensure that clients received over 1,000 gifts and toys and enjoyed a moment of joy at our Christmas gatherings, including one for mums and children who felt safe coming to see Santa at a truly magical gathering in Modh Eile House. In December, 850 swimmers and dippers raised over €45,600 for our services and our 44 hardy Business Leaders slept out to raise an unbelievable €217,091!

Whether you jumped into the sea or slept out on the street; chopped vegetables, tidied a garden, shook a bucket or painted a wall; ran races, donated clothes or manned a Christmas stall – your generosity has meant our dedicated staff can create positive projects that directly benefit our clients.

We will always be there. We know you will too.

As we mark 60 years of serving the Galway Community, you can trust us to continue to support people who are struggling. Working to create lasting, positive change, we are fuelled by the knowledge that your support ensures our team can respond with care, expertise, and steadfast commitment.

Thank you so much for all you have done to support our work throughout 2024 and over the past six decades, in making a real difference for vulnerable people in Galway.

Míle buíochas,
Michael Smyth, CEO

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