By Evelyn Cullen
AS the cost of living continues to put a strain families across Donegal, the Society of St Vincent de Paul (SVP) in Letterkenny has stepped in with €324,009 in vital assistance in the past year, which is significantly up on last year’s figure.
From food and groceries to fuel and education costs, the need is at an all-time high for families on low incomes.
“The need to support families to put food on the table and heat their homes has never been greater,” said Kathleen Ponsonby, treasurer of the charity in Donegal.
The charity spent €228,000 helping individuals and families with food and groceries and €34,402 on fuel costs. The further €44,175 was spent on education needs across primary, secondary and third level, a new and growing expense which is now handled through their local conferences, having previously been managed by their educational committee.
“Education costs are a significant new expense, particularly with third level students needing support,” said Kathleen.
Hospital bills for treatments in Dublin and Galway, in particular overnight stays for families with sick children in Crumlin Children’s Hospital, have also driven up costs.
If there’s anything positive to be gleaned from these figures, it must be how the community rallies around to help the people who need it in difficult times.
With little government funding, the Society depends almost entirely on the generosity of the public to carry out its work in Letterkenny.
Their two busy shops in the town, one on Lower Main Street and the other at the Station Roundabout, provide essential income and thankfully sales in the shops are booming.
“The shops are a huge support to us and we’re delighted that they are busier than ever,” said Kathleen.
“Most of the items donated to our shops are sold to help fund our expenditure, but we are also able to channel many of these items directly to needy families,” she added.
The shops recently received a welcome boost when RTE’s Miriam O’Callaghan shared that she regularly shops in charity shops.
“Miriam’s candid announcement gave us a huge boost. We do get some gorgeous clothes in, so I would say to anyone who enjoys shopping sustainably, that our shops are well worth a visit. You are sure to pick up a stylish bargain,” said Kathleen.
In addition to shop sales, funding comes from public cash donations, church gate collections and local businesses, who Kathleen said are particularly generous around Christmas time. She expressed her sincere gratitude for this support.
“We’re deeply grateful for every donation, big or small.”
Behind the numbers are real people facing tough situations. Christmas and winter are always the charity’s busiest times, with families struggling with heating, food and gifts at the most expensive time of the year.
“Our urgent need starts from November and it can be for anything from newborn babies coming home from hospital to elderly people with arthritis trying to heat their homes,” she added.
Last Christmas their volunteers visited more than 700 families with vital supplies across the six sections in Letterkenny where they operate including Ballymacool, Killylastin, Town Centre, the High Road, Gortlee and the Mountain Top.
Thankfully, this is also the time when community support is at its peak. SVP has 60 to 70 full time volunteers, who play a huge role in visiting families, fundraising and running the shops. By offering their time for free, they are also crucial in keeping costs low for the charity.
“We want to thank all our volunteers, your support is very much appreciated. And we always welcome new helpers too.”
Most importantly the charity urges anyone in need to reach out without hesitation.
“Our members are here to help, and everything is treated in complete confidence,” she assured.
SVP can be contacted on 074 9129503 or through their website www.svp.ie.
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