PICTURES: Saint Vincent de Paul launch annual Limerick Christmas appeal

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AS CHRISTMAS approaches, the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul (SVP) has launched its annual appeal for families in Limerick and the Mid-West region seeking help. 

SVP expects calls for help this December will exceed 25,000, which was last year’s record.

This year, on the 180th anniversary of the SVP in Ireland, the annual appeal is focused on providing help and hope to struggling parents in the Mid-West and across Ireland.

Regional president Teresa Ryan said: “The calls for help to our office and local conferences (branches) continue to increase.  

“Our theme for this year, The Wonder of Christmas,  reflects the questions our volunteers face most regularly in the run-up to Christmas, including: I wonder will I have enough for food and toys? I wonder do the kids know we are struggling? I wonder If we will ever get us out of it?, among other things.”

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She went on to say that despite the one-off payments made by the Government coming this month and next, many people will continue to struggle to meet basic family expenses. 

“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,” Ms Ryan said.

“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 Ryan is appealing to businesses to support local SVP branches and 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 SVP has been “magnificent in the past” and that they are 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.

Anyone finding themselves in need this Christmas in the Mid-West and anyone seeking assistance for the first time should phone 061 317327 to have their request processed.