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St. Vincent De Paul (SVP) South-West has reported being overwhelmed with calls for assistance in the past week as a severe cold snap intensifies hardship for families and individuals across Cork. The charity warns that it may need to double fuel deliveries to households in need, placing additional strain on its already stretched resources.
SVP’s conferences across Cork city and county have been advised to prepare for increased demand, with local volunteers working tirelessly to meet the growing needs of the community. The situation has been exacerbated by the ongoing high cost of living, combined with post-Christmas expenses, prompting a surge in requests for help.
Mary Frances Behan, SVP South-West’s Regional President, made a heartfelt appeal to the public for support:
“We have been flooded with calls for help and support over the last week. The recent extreme weather conditions have had a catastrophic impact on families and people in need who were already struggling to make ends meet. We have advised our local conferences that it may be necessary to double fuel assistance for this week to those receiving it to help them heat their homes during such adverse conditions.”
Behan highlighted the vital role of SVP’s Annual Car Draw in raising the much-needed funds to sustain their operations during the winter months, urging the public to participate before the entry deadline at 12 noon on Friday, 10th January.
How You Can Help
SVP is calling on the public to support its largest fundraiser, the Annual Car Draw Appeal. Tickets are priced at €5 each, with bundles of five available for €20. They can be purchased online at www.svp.ie/cardraw24 or returned via freepost envelopes distributed to Cork households. Donations can also be made in person at SVP’s Regional Office in Cork.
Proceeds from the fundraiser directly support essential services such as fuel and food deliveries. Last year alone, SVP South-West provided over 5,400 homes with fuel assistance and delivered more than 18,600 food hampers to families in Cork and Kerry. The charity responded to over 9,300 calls for assistance and supported 27,314 families, including nearly 20,000 in Cork.
This year’s Annual Car Draw offers a brand-new Ford Focus as the top prize, with six additional cash prizes. The draw will take place on Wednesday, 15th January at the Cork City Ford Centre, with the Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr. Dan Boyle, in attendance. Winners will be announced on www.SVP.ie and published in the Irish Examiner on Saturday, 18th January.
Expressing gratitude to the community, Behan added:
“The public has always been extremely generous to the Society here in Cork. We are consistently humbled and gratified by the support the Car Draw receives every year, and we are extremely grateful for all tickets purchased or donations received. Each and every donation will make a difference, and we want to take this opportunity to thank the people of Cork for all their support this year to date.”
She also extended special thanks to Francis Brennan, ambassador for the Car Draw campaign, and local bishops for their ongoing support.
Supporting Cork’s Most Vulnerable: SVP’s 2024 Key Figures
- 9,361 calls for assistance answered
- 27,314 families supported, including 19,674 in Cork
- 18,660 hampers delivered
- 5,442 homes provided with fuel assistance
- 1,397 energy supports issued, including energy vouchers
- 6,885 students assisted with educational support
- 97 families averted from homelessness
As SVP South-West continues to provide critical services during this challenging period, it is appealing to the community for continued generosity. Every donation helps ease the burden on struggling families and keeps vital services running.
For assistance or to offer support, contact SVP at 021 4270444 or visit Ozanam House, 2 Tuckey Street, Cork.