180k raised, 15 years of impact — Galgorm Collection steps up for homelessness
- Love Ballymena
- 4 minutes ago
- 4 min read
Pictured at Simon Community’s Ballymena temporary accommodation service are (left to right): Marianne McCaul, Senior Manager, Simon Community Ballymena; Colin Johnston, CEO, Galgorm Collection; and Harriett Roberts, Director of Growth & Management, Simon Community Northern Ireland.
A long-standing partnership rooted in compassion and community impact has reached a powerful milestone, as Galgorm Collection celebrates 15 years of supporting people experiencing homelessness across Northern Ireland.
The leading hospitality group has raised an impressive £180,000 for Simon Community Northern Ireland since 2011 — a figure that reflects not just fundraising success, but a sustained commitment to tackling one of society’s most urgent challenges.
A partnership built on purpose
Marking the occasion, Galgorm Collection CEO Colin Johnston visited Simon Community’s Ballymena temporary accommodation service on Monday, offering a first-hand look at the life-changing support being delivered on the ground.
The visit brought the milestone closer to home — highlighting the real people and stories behind the statistics, and the vital role partnerships like this play in keeping essential services running.
Over the past 15 years, Galgorm has supported the charity through a wide range of initiatives, from fundraising events and awareness campaigns to hands-on staff involvement — making it Simon Community Northern Ireland’s longest-running corporate partnership.
Rallying for change at Belfast Marathon
The partnership continues to gather momentum in 2026, with Galgorm Collection set to field six relay teams in the Belfast Marathon this May.
Staff from across the group’s hotels, restaurants and bars will take part, raising funds and awareness for a cause that continues to affect thousands of people locally.
Colin Johnston, CEO of Galgorm Collection, said:
“We are incredibly proud to support the vital work of Simon Community Northern Ireland. At Galgorm Collection, we aim to create a ‘home from home’ for our guests, yet we know that many in our community do not have a safe place to sleep. This is why our partnership with Simon Community is so important - it allows us to contribute in a meaningful way to people’s lives, providing support where it’s needed most.
“Over the past 15 years, the £180,000 we have raised reflects the generosity and commitment of our team, our guests, and the wider community. But beyond the numbers, it is about standing together to make a real difference.
“We remain fully committed to the partnership and look forward to continuing our support through initiatives like the Belfast Marathon, which gives our team the opportunity to actively contribute to this vital cause.”
Rising need across Northern Ireland
Founded in 1971, Simon Community Northern Ireland remains the region’s leading homelessness charity, providing preventative services, temporary accommodation, and tailored support for those facing housing insecurity.
The scale of the challenge is growing. According to the organisation, there are currently 62,000 people without a home across Northern Ireland — including almost 20,000 children.
Jim Dennison, CEO of Simon Community Northern Ireland, said:
“We genuinely couldn’t do what we do without partners like Galgorm Collection. For 15 years now, they’ve stood right beside us. In that time, they’ve raised an incredible £180,000 to support people experiencing homelessness across Northern Ireland. That support has helped us keep doors open, provide somewhere safe to stay when someone has nowhere else to go and reach people who urgently need help.
“The Galgorm team has rolled up their sleeves time and time again - organising events, taking on challenges, even running the Belfast Marathon - all because they believe in making a difference.
“Right now, homelessness in Northern Ireland is rising, and the scale is heartbreaking. There are 62,000 people without a home - including almost 20,000 children. Every bit of support matters more than ever and we’re incredibly proud and thankful to have Galgorm as a partner.”
More than fundraising: a culture of giving back
The partnership forms a key part of Galgorm Collection’s wider Corporate Social Responsibility strategy, which focuses on community support, sustainability, and long-term social impact.
With a workforce of more than 1,100 people, the group actively encourages staff to engage in charitable initiatives — helping to embed a culture of giving back across its operations.
Alongside its work with Simon Community, Galgorm Collection also supports environmental initiatives, local organisations, and community groups, reinforcing its commitment to making a meaningful difference across Northern Ireland.
As the partnership moves into its next chapter, both organisations are united by a shared goal: ensuring more people have a safe place to call home.
For more information about Simon Community Northern Ireland, visit: https://simoncommunity.org/
At a glance
Galgorm Collection marks 15 years supporting Simon Community Northern Ireland
£180,000 raised since the partnership began in 2011
Longest-running corporate partnership for Simon Community NI
CEO Colin Johnston visited Ballymena accommodation service to mark milestone
Six Galgorm relay teams to take part in Belfast Marathon 2026
Funds support homelessness services including accommodation and outreach
62,000 people in Northern Ireland currently without a home
Nearly 20,000 children affected by homelessness
Partnership forms part of Galgorm’s wider CSR and community impact strategy