The leader of the St. Vincent de Paul Society (SVP) in the North-East has appealed to young people to give some of their time to that charity or other voluntary groups that help others.
Michael O’Keeffe, of Crossakiel, Kells, Co. Meath, who is president of the SVP’s Oriel Regional Council, which covers Louth, Meath, Cavan and Monaghan, was speaking at the Society’s Youth For Justice Exhibition in the Nuremore Hotel, Carrickmacross, Co. Monaghan.
A total of 250 second level students from nine schools in Drogheda, Dundalk, Ratoath, Co. Meath, and Bailieboro and Cootehill, Co. Cavan, participated in the project, which aims to inspire youngsters to understand and take action on social issues in their own areas. It provides them with the opportunity to help others in the community.
Mr. O’Keeffe said it can be very rewarding for individuals to find time to give to others. He told the students: “You can do that by joining the St. Vincent de Paul Society or an organisation like it, visiting an elderly person living alone, offering to babysit for a single mother, or even helping someone in your class who is struggling with a subject that you find relatively easy.”
Attracta McNeice, SVP Youth For Justice Officer, says it is hoped that the young people will continue their involvement with the Society into their adult lives.
The Youth For Justice project is being piloted in the north-east for the SVP and will be copied by the Society in other regions of the country.