Midlands Simon Community to benefit from special charity C.D by critically acclaimed singer-songwriter James O’Connor
Critically acclaimed singer-songwriter James O’Connor is set to release a charity c.d. sponsored by one of the Midland’s leading property firms ‘Property Properly’ for MIDLANDS SIMON COMMUNITY. Proceeds from the sale of the c.d. will go directly to the charity who work with individuals, couples and families who have nowhere to live or who are at risk of becoming homeless. The c.d. will be officially launched at a special fundraising event in Kavanagh’s Bar and Venue, Portlaoise, Co Laois on Saturday, September 20th.
MIDLANDS SIMON provide emergency accommodation, regional settlement services, residential services and opportunities to those affected by the threat of homelessness. The c.d. will raise much needed and vital funds that will go towards supporting the work of MIDLANDS SIMON. Recent figures detailing the rise in demand for services provided by the charity illustrate that homelessness is no longer an urban phenomenon but also a rural reality.
Case numbers of those seeking support from MIDLANDS SIMON are looking likely to rise by a dramatic 30% this year. CEO of MIDLANDS SIMON COMMUNITY, Tony O ‘Riordan explains “We would like to thank James, Property Properly and all those involved for putting together this very special c.d. Over the first six months of 2014, we have seen a worrying increase in the demand for our services throughout counties in the Midland’s. Now more than ever we are dependent on the generosity of volunteers who organise fundraising events.”
With Budget 2015 set to follow the trend of recent years and continue to cut public spending, Mr. O ‘Riordan believes that “The government’s emerging ideas on how to solve the crisis are welcome and we in Midlands Simon have a very good relationship with the HSE and Laois Co. Council; however the Midlands region as a whole cannot sustain services with the unacceptable level of national funding we receive. We simply can’t afford the overwhelming costs of increased homelessness and lack of appropriate housing. We hope that the public will join us on September 20th where they can enjoy a night of music, fun and show their support for MIDLANDS SIMON.”
James O’Connor, a critically acclaimed Irish chart topping musician explains “I’m very grateful to be able to give something back to an extremely worthwhile cause. I have never experienced homelessness but I know people who have. People are often forced into situations beyond their control and that’s why we chose this charity as benefactors of the single. The two songs on the c.d. are very closely linked to the underlying messages of the work of MIDLANDS SIMON.”
Three of the main reasons people are presenting in need of the homeless services of MIDLANDS SIMON COMMUNITY are addiction, Mental Health and Family breakdown. “Addiction and mental health are two issues close to my heart as things can very wrong, very quickly. It’s so important that organisations like MIDLANDS SIMON are there to belief in people and provide them with support during a time of need.” says James O’Connor
The c.d. titled “Warmth of a Smile” features two songs from the artist’s recently released album ‘Behind The Scenes’. It will be available to buy in all of the MIDLANDS SIMON COMMUNITY charity shops, facebook.com/jamesoconnormusicand various other outlets throughout Laois, Offaly, Westmeath and Longford. The fundraising event on Saturday, September 20th will see James O’Connor and special guests provide a night of entertainment and fun in aid of the charity.
See www.midlandssimon.com / www.facebook.com/