RIAI Simon Open Door Campaign Raises Over €160,000 for Simon Communities

24 June 2021: The Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland (RIAI) is delighted to announce that this year’s RIAI Simon Open Door campaign raised €161,050 to help tackle the housing and homeless crisis. This latest result brings the total raised, in the campaign’s 17-year history, to €1,330,135.

The RIAI Simon Open Door campaign, which ran virtually from 4 to 14 May, saw members of the public snap up nearly 1,700 virtual consultations with RIAI-registered architects nationwide in return for a donation of €95.  All consultations took place online and all funds raised will go directly to the Simon Communities to support projects and vital services across the country.

Commenting on the initiative, Kathryn Meghen, CEO of the RIAI said: “Over the past 17 years, architects up and down the country have given their time and expertise to participate in this worthy initiative. We are grateful to the public who have embraced the campaign and generously donated to the Simon Communities. Good architecture creates safe and welcoming spaces, and we are delighted that the funds raised will mean the Simon Communities are able to provide safe and welcoming homes to those who need them most. We are also very grateful to our Members who gave their time and expertise to the campaign. It’s very positive to see so many architects using their skills to support a worthy cause and the campaign is also a fantastic opportunity for the public to explore their options when considering complex building projects.”

Jennifer Kitson, National Partnerships Manager for Simon Communities said: “Partnerships like the RIAI Simon Open Door initiative make a real difference to the vital work we do across the country, and we would like to sincerely thank all of the members of the public who took part this year and over the past 17 years. The Covid-19 crisis has put so many already vulnerable people at particular risk, including those who are experiencing homelessness and those who are at risk of becoming homeless but thanks to supporters like RIAI we can continue to deliver services to people who need it most. The funds raised this year will go directly to support projects across the country including building and refurbishment that will create homes and improve the lives of our clients in our local communities.  We thank RIAI, all architects who participated, and the public for continuing to support Simon Communities through RIAI Simon Open Door every year.

For more information about the Simon Communities or to donate visit www.Simon.ie