St Vincent De Paul launch annual Dundalk Christmas appeal

This year on the 180 anniversary of the SVP in Ireland, the annual appeal is focused on providing help and hope to struggling individuals and families in the Dundalk area and across Ireland.

Dundalk Area President Helen Grant said: ‘’The calls for help to our regional office and local conferences continue to increase. Help with food and energy continues to be the main reason for these.

‘’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 out of it. I wonder if you can help.”

She went on to say that despite the one-off payments made by the Government coming through this month, there are many people who will continue to struggle to meet basic family expenses, particularly on special occasions such as Christmas.

Dunleer Community Recognition Awards

The prize for the outstanding Volunteer of the Year went to Hugh Callaghan

"Those hardest hit will include families, low-income workers, households on fixed social welfare incomes, low-income households in rural areas, and people with disabilities, and their careers. That is why we are seeking donations to help families pay for food, heat their homes and ensure their children get a decent Christmas" Ms Grant continued.

Ms Grant said the public and corporate response to SVP has been magnificent in the past and they are hopeful of another very positive reaction this year.

Dundalk Area raised € 202K last Christmas, which was crucial in supporting those in need. During Christmas, they distributed €173K in vouchers and various forms of assistance to families. Additionally, they provided over €300k to support individuals and families throughout the year.

Ms Grant added: "Unfortunately for too many people, it can still take just one small problem to tip someone into crisis and poverty, such as an unexpected illness or bill coupled with the current enormous cost of living increases,

"But we know that a little help at the right time can stop a domino effect leading to a family experiencing prolonged hardship. Coming up to Christmas and into the New Year SVP expect there to be an increasing demand on their services particularly this year when, as everyone knows the cost of all our basic items such as food and fuel has increased greatly.

"By supporting SVP annual appeal, you can help a family through the winter. You can get them back on their feet and give them a brighter future and save them from falling into a life of poverty."

This year SVP are holding their annual church collection on Saturday 30^th November and Sunday 1^st December.

SVP would urge anyone in genuine need to please contact them. Your contact with SVP will be treated with the strictest confidence. (1800 67 77 77)

Ways to donate:

By Cheque: Cheques made payable to ‘Society of St. Vincent de Paul, address, Area Treasurer Dundalk, SVP, 21 Jocelyn Street Dundalk, Co. Louth

Online: svp.ie and nominate your local area

By phone: 0818 176 176 (ROI)

By post: Cheques made payable to ‘Society of St. Vincent de Paul’-regional office, SVP, Tiernan House, Fair Green Drogheda, Co Louth, A92 TF3P

Blue envelopes: Keep an eye out for special blue envelopes in newspapers and churches