COPE Galway is calling on Galway’s business leaders to take part in the 15th annual COPE Galway Business Leaders’ Sleep Out on Friday, December 4. Taking part will help raise vital funds for people experiencing homelessness in Galway.
Now in its 15th year, the COPE Galway Business Leaders’ Sleep Out has become a tradition of leadership and solidarity in Galway’s business community, raising over €1.93 million to date.
These funds have supported children, families, men and women through emergency shelter, nutritious meals, outreach services and developmental supports for children.
The charity is now recruiting for the 2026 Business Leaders’ Sleep Out and is inviting leaders and senior managers, including those who have participated in previous years, to come on board and help drive positive change.
Speaking at the launch, Sharon Fitzpatrick, Head of Development at COPE Galway said that for almost a decade and a half, Galway Business Leaders have been helping change lives.
“The funds they’ve raised through the COPE Galway Sleep Out have been essential to supporting our Homeless Service in providing practical, person-centred support to people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.
“The funds also provide flexibility to respond to specific individual needs, address gaps and develop and improve services, helping people move towards greater stability and a safe, secure home.” The Business Leaders’ Sleep Out brings Galway’s business community together to take meaningful action, deepen understanding of the realities of homelessness, demonstrate leadership and encourage others to act.
Sharon added that the event is also an opportunity to connect with fellow business leaders around a shared cause, raise vital funds for COPE Galway and take part in a visible act of solidarity that helps build greater understanding of homelessness in our community.
“Every participant makes a genuine difference, and we would love to welcome both new and returning business leaders this year.” Business Leaders can take part individually or as a team, giving colleagues an opportunity to come together to support people experiencing homelessness in Galway.
To sign up, nominate, learn more and hear stories from past experiences, visit copegalway.ie/sleepout The 2026 COPE Galway Business Leaders’ Sleep Out takes place on Friday, 4 December, from 6pm to 6am on Shop Street, Galway.
