Navan SVP fundraising raises almost €38,000

The Navan St Vincent de Paul Society (SVP), which in 2011 spent €432,000 in assisting the needy of the town and its environs, received €37,688 over the Christmas period through collections, sponsored events and other donations. The annual churchgate collections in Navan and surrounding parishes realised a total of €17,646. Fundraisers at Navan and Johnstown Shopping Centres brought in an aggregate of €12,718. Navan Road Club's annual cycle time trial at the local Ramparts Bridge on Christmas Day raised €2,824. Navan Knights of St Columbanus presented the society with a cheque for €1,000, while the local town council contributed €500. A Santa Dash through the streets of Navan realised €3,000. The local SVP has expressed gratitude to everyone who contributed or helped in any way with its fundraising efforts, as well as to society members and others for their assistance in running the collection points at churches and in shopping centres. Meanwhile, Navan town councillors forfeited a Christmas dinner just before the festive season to help the needy. Instead, they donated the projected €500 cost of the meal to the local SVP. The members' annual treat comes from council funds, but Mayor Cllr Anton McCabe said they decided to forego it as a contribution towards assisting the less well-off in the Navan area in these harsh economic times. Navan SVP area council treasurer Kathleen Doherty thanked the councillors for their gesture and expressed the hope that, in the New Year, other organisations and individuals would consider similar donations or organise fundraising events in aid of the town's SVP.