A KINCASSLAGH woman who now lives in Australia is preparing for her fourth annual food appeal for the Capuchin Day Centre for the homeless in Dublin.
Megan Ward began the Christmas collection in 2022 after hearing a moving homily delivered by Fr Eddie Gallagher at a Mass in Lettermacaward. He spoke about his own annual food collection for the Capuchin Centre and the impact it had on those who rely on its support.
“I immediately started to think about doing a collection in our parish that way we could get even more food sent from Donegal,” Megan told the Donegal News.
The collection has grown steadily since that first year.
“The first year we went to Dublin there was not enough room in the van for another tea bag to fit in. We had cereal boxes on our laps on the way to Dublin, we made sure everything got in.
“In 2023 we had to source a bigger van. This was kindly donated to the collection by Jonathan Stewart.
“In 2024 we had to go back to Jonathan not alone asking for his van but his trailer too,” Megan said.
A photo from the first collection back in 2022.
Her move to Australia earlier this year meant this year’s preparations began with uncertainty.
“Originally when I decided to move to Australia one of the first things that came to mind was how would the food appeal go ahead.”
Those worries were eased once her family and neighbours stepped in.
“I reached out to my family and friends and asked would they help me organise the 2025 food appeal and of course they all said yes without a second thought.”
The collection has now become an annual tradition for the Ward family and for the wider community.
Local schoolchildren take part by gathering items and joining the shopping trips on the weekend of the appeal.
“We want to give them an understanding of what we are trying to do and how not everyone is as lucky as we are to have a roof over our heads and food in our cupboards.”
Every year the children make sure to include chocolate Santas for the young people and volunteers at the Capuchin Day Centre.
Megan pictured with her parents in 2023.
On the ground in Kincasslagh, Megan’s parents are leading this year’s operation.
The appeal is supported by businesses and community members who donate everything from transport to refreshments.
Jonathan Stewart sponsors the van annually, Fr Pat Ward provides the parish hall and Greg and Anne from the local coffee shop Hookd keep the helpers supplied with coffee and treats.
“We are very lucky to come from such a supportive community, thinking about it would make you homesick,” Megan said.
The collection has now become an annual tradition for the Ward family and for the wider community.
Even from Australia, she has been working hard to ensure the 2025 food appeal is a success. She set up an iDonate page so contributions can be used to buy food in bulk and has been coordinating drop off points with local supermarkets. The time difference has made social media updates difficult and she often sets alarms in the early hours of the morning so her posts reach people back home.
This year’s collection will take place at St Mary’s Hall, Kincasslagh, on November 29 and 30 from 11am to 2pm.
Non-perishable items such as tinned food, pasta, rice and cereal are welcome. Donors are asked to ensure no items are in glass containers.
You can also donate online via https://www.idonate.ie/crowdfunder/meganward
