Charity
SVP seeks donations to support record number of families seeking help this Christmas
SVP launches annual appeal to support families seeking help this Christmas. Photographed at the launch were from left Joe McDonald, Limerick City & County Council, Teresa Ryan, SVP regional President, Michael Tiernan, Michael Murphy, SVP and Jorien Szkudlarski, SVP. Photograph Liam Burke/Press 22
SVP Mid-West Region launched its Annual Appeal today as it expects calls for help will exceed last year’s record of 25,000
This year on the 180th anniversary of the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul (SVP) in Ireland the Annual Appeal is focused on providing help and hope to struggling parents who wonder how they will provide a happy Christmas for their families.
At the launch of this year’s Annual Appeal today Regional President Teresa Ryan said, “The calls for help to our office and local Conferences (Branches) continue to increase. In 2023 we had a record 25,000 + calls. This year we are on track to exceed that number. Help with food and energy continue to be the main reason for these requests.
“Our theme for this year, “The Wonder of Christmas”, reflects the questions our volunteers face most regularly in the run up to Christmas; I wonder will I have enough for food and toys? I wonder do the kids know we are struggling? I wonder how it is affecting them? I wonder how we got into this situation? I wonder If we will ever get us out of it? I wonder if you can help?”
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She went on to say; “Despite the one-off payments made by the Government coming this month and next, there are many people who will continue to struggle to meet basic family expense particularly on special occasions such as Christmas.
“Those hardest hit will include one parent-families, low-income workers; households on fixed social welfare incomes; low-income households in rural areas; people with disabilities and their carers. That is why we are seeking donations to help families pay for food, heat their homes and ensure their children get a decent Christmas.“
Also the regional president Teresa Ryan outlined many of the communication channels which will be used to draw public attention to the Annual Appeal. She appealed to businesses to support local SVP branches & for community groups and schools to take part in this year’s Gift of Choice campaign or wear a Christmas jumper for SVP.
She said that the public and corporate response to the Society has been magnificent in the past and that the Society was hopeful of another very positive reaction this year. “There is a warmth towards the work of the Society that is obvious and welcome” she said.
Finally, anyone finding themselves in need this Christmas, in the Mid-West especially anyone seeking assistance for the first time should phone 061 317327 to have their request processed comfortable in the knowledge that their request will be handled sensitively and confidentially.
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