AN APPEAL has been launched for support for families whose children may have no hot meal over the Christmas break because school is closed.
Limerick-based migrant and refugee support organisation, Doras, has launched an appeal for donations for their hardship fund, a charitable drive to provide support for families in Limerick who are struggling to make ends meet.
Doras CEO John Lannon said that the organisation has “witnessed firsthand that during this time of year, some families experience financial difficulties. For those who rely on the hot school meal programme as sometimes the only warm meal their child will receive in a day, they really struggle during school breaks, such as Christmas.”
According to data from the Central Statistics Office, over 250,000 children in 2023 experienced enforced deprivation in Ireland. This means that they were living in households unable to afford two or more items on a list of 11 goods and services considered the norm in society. Two of the items on the list relate to food.
Mr Lannon continued that “even though Ireland is one of the richest countries in the world, last year, more than a quarter of a million children went hungry here”.
“This includes thousands of children living in Direct Provision who do not receive child benefit. Their families are struggling by on €38 per week.
“Doras is launching this appeal to everyone who can chip in with any amount they can spare, so that we can help some of the most vulnerable people in our society that come to us for support to purchase basic items such as food, clothing and other necessities.”
Members of the public are being urged to make a donation online at doras.org/hardshipfund.
