ST VINCENT de Paul in Limerick is dealing with an avalanche of appeals for help as up to 300 requests pour in each day for aid from people agonising over whether to have food or heat.
Launching the Regional Annual Appeal, the Mid West branch of the society said that calls for help this year have significantly increased.
On average the Mid West office are dealing with between 250 to 300 requests per day.
Regional President Teresa Ryan said the fact that the group has received more calls for help than at any other time, and still manage to provide help, is testimony to the dedication of its volunteers and staff, and their incredible support of the public.
Launching this year’s SVP Annual Appeal, entitled ‘Impossible Choices’, Ms Ryan said that, despite the additional cost-of-living support payments made by the Government, there are many people who are struggling to meet basic family expenses.
“Last year, there were a record-breaking 14,006 requests for help received at regional offices. That figure looks likely to be exceeded this year with 16,673 requests already received, a 19 per cent increase on the same time in 2021.
“The cost-of-living measures, such as the one-off fuel allowance, double social welfare, child benefit, and state pension payments will help low-income households during what will be a very difficult winter, but these measures are only temporary. We are very worried that many of these families will continue to struggle into next year.”
The society cited examples of some of the requests, which included a mother who wanted to buy oranges for her child’s school lunch and a parent who pulls a mattress into the living room for the family to sleep by the fire because the house is so cold.
“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. They are all facing impossible choices this Christmas and into the new year,” 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.”
Donations can be made to local areas at svp.ie, by phone on 0818 176 176 or 061 317 327, by post to Society of St Vincent de Paul, Mid West Regional Office, Ozanam House, Hartstonge Street, Limerick, V94 W2D3, or through special blue envelopes available in some newspapers and churches.
