SVP pleads for help for those facing ‘Impossible Choices’
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SVP pleads for help for those facing ‘Impossible Choices’

POVERTY charity the Society of St Vincent de Paul (SVP) recently launched their annual appeal, this year titled “Impossible Choices”, as the charity is receiving an average of 800 calls for help each day.

The national campaign was launched on Monday by Rose McGowan, SVP’s national president, who said that despite Government assistance with the cost-of-living crisis, many are still struggling.

“Last year, there were a record-breaking 191,000 requests for help received at our national and regional offices,” said Ms McGowan.

“That figure looks likely to be exceeded this year, with 168,000 requests already received by the end of October, 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.

“In the coming months, the cost-of-living crisis will hit different households in different ways, particularly with the rising costs of food, energy and housing.

“Add in Christmas costs, and you can see how difficult life will be for those on fixed incomes, whether that income comes through the State or from low-paid employment.

“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. That is why we are seeking donations to help families pay for food, heat their homes and ensure their children get a decent Christmas.

“We are asking people to please donate whatever they can spare at either a local collection, online or over the phone, to help people who are struggling now and will continue to struggle through this winter and into the new year.”

Donations can be made online, by visiting svp.ie and nominating your local area, or by calling 0818 176 176.

Postal donations can be made to SVP, PO Box 1234, Dublin 1, with cheques made payable to “Society of St Vincent de Paul” or direct to a regional office.

Blue envelopes for donations will also be in some newspapers, churches and delivered to houses around the country.

People seeking assistance can call SVP’s Dublin office on 01 855 0022 and they can direct you to your local office, while parish offices can also direct people to their local conference of SVP.

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