Marty Whelan, Doireann Garrihy and Mary Kennedy helped launch the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul’s Annual Appeal today.
SVP, which is the largest, voluntary, charitable organisation in Ireland, is anticipating calls for help to exceed last year’s record of 250,000 in the lead up to Christmas.
This year on the 180th anniversary of the 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 National President Rose McGowan said, “The calls for help to our offices and local Conferences (Branches) continue to increase. In 2023 we had a record 250,000 + calls.
“This year we are on track to exceed that number as at the end of October we had recorded 182,195 requests for assistance which is up 1.4% on the same time last year. 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?”
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 expenses, 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.“
The SVP Annual Appeal was launched by broadcaster Marty Whelan, who was also joined by former RTÉ presenter Mary Kennedy, a member of St. Colmcilles Conference in Knocklyon, whose father was the founder of the Clondalkin Conference.
Broadcaster and podcast host, Doireann Garrihy, helped launch the Annual Appeal too.
The former 2FM host has previously promoted the charity’s Christmas Jumper Day campaign, and her father Eugene is a longtime supporter and member of SVP.
Speaking at the launch SVP Head of Fundraising Elizabeth Smyth outlined many of the communication channels which will be used to draw public attention to the Annual Appeal. These will include banners on Liberty Hall and SVP buildings around the city.
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.
Ways to donate:
Online: svp.ie and nominate your local area
By phone: 0818 176 176 (ROI) or 028 9075 0161 (NI) and nominate your local area
By post: to SVP, PO Box 1234, Dublin 1, cheques made payable to ‘Society of St. Vincent de Paul’ or direct to a regional office, addresses can be found on www.svp.ie.
Blue envelopes: Keep an eye out for special blue envelopes in newspapers, churches and delivered to homes throughout the country.
