Going green for darkest night
Next Tuesday marks the longest night of the year – and Galway’s iconic buildings will be lit up in green in solidarity with those for whom the darkness is unfortunately a huge part of their every day.
The Longest Night is an initiative of the Samaritans provide a 24-hour helpline service for people who are in distress, struggling to cope and those who need emotional support, including those who are feeling suicidal.
And by marking the Winter Solstice in this way next Tuesday, they want to let people know that help is available during their darkest hours – especially over the festive period.
The charity appealing to landmarks, local authorities and businesses to light up their buildings and outdoor locations in green as a gesture of support.
Buildings already going green for the night include St Nicholas’s Collegiate Church; Dúnguaire Castle; the Quad at NUIG; Athenry Heritage Centre; Claregalway Castle; the Browne Doorway; City Hall; Galway Museum ; Tuam Clock Tower, and the GMIT campuses in the city and Letterfrack.
The Salthill Christmas lights will also be going green in solidarity.
And any photos taken of the buildings or landmarks will be shared by Samaritans Ireland and Samaritans Galway on social media, using the hashtags #samaritanslongestnight and #longestnight.
Last year, Samaritan volunteers answered over 37,000 calls for help over Christmas, including on Christmas Day. And they will be available to do the same this year.
In addition, the specially formed band Shattered, has launched a charity single, Heart of Hope, to raise awareness and funds for Galway Samaritans and Galway Simon Community. This initiative is the brainchild of Kev Patten, with fellow members being Siobhan Forde of TribeTones, Turlough Moore of Pyramid, Cormac Dunne from the Stunning and Kevin Duffy, ex the Saw Doctors.
All funds raised from Heart of Hope will go to support the Samaritans and Galway Simon Community.
“Have you ever been lost and confused and don’t know where to go, what to do or where you are going to sleep?” asks Kev Patten. “There are a lot of people who go through this every day. We want to assure people that there is light at the end of the tunnel if we reach out with a heart of hope. Ireland is one of the most giving countries in the world. So let’s help our people that are in need please.
The song is about a woman living on the streets. She forms a friendship with another person who helps her see a ‘heart of hope.
“We are giving 50% of all proceeds to the Galway Samaritans and 50% to Galway Simon Community. Simply put, we just want to help in our own way,” says Kev.
People can listen to the track and watch the video on the Galway Samaritans website via their social media channels. To donate, just click on the iDonate button.
The Samaritans are a totally voluntary organisation with no member receiving payment.
They are there to help 24 hours a day, seven days a week, on freephone 116 123 or email [email protected].