The Society of St Vincent de Paul (SVP) launched an urgent appeal for funds on 21st November 2011. Calls for help to the Society have almost doubled over recent years and its 10,000 + volunteers expect to make 150,000 visits to homes throughout Ireland between now and Christmas. The SVP needs donations urgently to adequately provide the help needed by so many people in severe financial difficulties.
The urgent appeal was launched in the SVP Vincent’s shop in Sean McDermott Street, Dublin by RTE 2fm presenter Ryan Tubridy. Over 100 SVP volunteers from all over the country were present. The appeal campaign will continue into December. The week of 4th-11th December will be SVP Week when local SVP conferences will hold church gate collections.
In addition to this direct assistance for families the SVP also provides essential many services. It manages 970 social housing units, has 344 emergency beds per night available for the homeless, operates 15 day care centres, 150 shops and many breakfast, homework and revision clubs.
SVP National President Mairead Bushnell said that she had have never before felt the palpable worry and uncertainty that SVP volunteers are experiencing throughout the country.
She said that for so many people it is now a question of constantly having to make choices. “And when it comes to Christmas and the winter months the decisions become even harder”, she said.
“Between now and the end of this year the Society of St Vincent de Paul volunteers will make an estimated 150,000 visits to homes all over Ireland. They will give support to those families in a whole variety of ways. In some cases it will just be a comforting shoulder to lean on or advise on where to go for professional help with a specific problem. In many, many cases it will be to ensure that children have a toy from Santa or that the families have sufficient food heat and light to get over the ‘festive’ season, she said.
She continued, "Support and friendship are key elements of our work. Our assistance can bring hope when given with warmth and cheerfulness. Charity by itself is cold. We encounter many problems caused by loneliness and isolation, both in rural and urban areas. Loneliness is a hidden silent poverty."
"The Irish people are generous in spirit and with any scarce resources they have. We in the Society of St. Vincent de Paul experience this generosity every day. We are hopeful that it will continue even stronger in the coming weeks. It allows us to continue our work, which is dedicated to helping the weakest and most vulnerable in our Society. This means not only providing practical support but encouraging self-sufficiency and campaigning for social justice."
"Those of us who can provide resources, whether through giving our time or some portion of our discretionary income, have a duty to try and support the weakest and most vulnerable who are in need of our material or emotional support."
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SVP URGENT APPEAL
There are many ways to donate.
- Donate Online
- Send a cheque to: Freepost DN 1096, Society of St. Vincent de Paul National Office
SVP House, 91-92 Sean McDermott Street, Dublin 1, made payable to Society of St. Vincent de Paul National Council.
- Pay direct to Bank of Ireland. Phibsborough Dublin 7 to St. Vincent De Paul Council of Ireland. A/C Number: 80005599.
- Call National Head Office on 01 8386990.
If you prefer to give locally you can send cheques to your closest regional office