‘The demand is serious, we are seeing a big increase this year’

Over €300,000 has been raised this year to support struggling families in the Navan area thanks to St Vincent de Paul.

The funds were raised through proceeds from St Vincent de Paul Furniture Shop in Balmoral Industrial Estate and charity stores on Brews Hill, Trimgate Street and Blackcastle with the remainder coming from donations from the public.

John Reilly, Area Vice President and SVP St Patrick’s Conference President says demand for help has been at an all time high this year.

“Last week we visited 23 houses, the week before we visited 24 houses, this week we visited 16 houses and that is just going to keep rising. The demand is serious we are noticing a big increase this year,” said John.

“It’s getting tougher and tougher out there with the cost of living, between electricity, fuel and gas it is just crippling and people are really struggling at the moment,” he added.

The charity organisation offers food vouchers and helps people with their energy bills as well as things like travelling expenses to and from hospitals appointments.

“We have requests coming in there 24/7 looking for help with Christmas, toys, food you name it.”

“We are helping out as best as we can and we are always looking for more volunteers.”

As well as offering people practical help, SVP also offers support to those struggling with a multitude of issues as John previously explained.

“The idea of a visitation is to see how people are coping and what needs they have,” he said.

“There could be a number of scenarios facing them such as a domestic abuse situation or a single parent struggling, in which case we try and give them some information in what way to deal with it and put them in contact with an organisation that can help them. “We are a helping hand and a shoulder to cry on as well. We also try to give as much help to the elderly at this time of the year, sometimes they just want someone to have a chat with and that's what we are there for. We are there to fall back on and to help them out in this area.”

There are five SVP conference groups in Navan.

The conferences are the backbone of the organisation's local operations with members gathering through this forum to make plans and thrash out fundraising ideas.

Mr Reilly said the charity operation would not be able to function without its members, staff and volunteers as he explains:

“I’d like to thank Hannah Clarke SVP Regional President, Michelle Finnegan, Area President. I would like to thank all SVP shop managers and staff volunteers.

“I’d also like to thank the Tus & CE schemes without all their help it would not be possible to generate all these much needed funds to give out help to clients especially this Christmas time of year when we are so busy, giving out help and visitations.”

A collection will be taking place in Navan Town Centre on Thursday 21st and Friday 22nd of December with all proceeds going to SVP.