Connect with us

News

SVP launch draw to support those facing unprecedented pressure

Published

on

0213898_BL26673.jpg

By Michelle Crean

St Vincent de Paul (SVP) has this week revealed unprecedented pressure on core services of food, shelter and education across the South-West.

Up to one thousand people across Kerry and Cork, who are struggling to pay utility bills, made calls to St Vincent De Paul (SVP) South-West every week during the month of October seeking assistance from the charity in the run-up to Christmas.

Organisers say this year’s annual car draw, which has been extended to Kerry for the very first time, is now more important than ever.

SVP South-West have said callers also reported being in significant arrears with utility suppliers after an embargo that was imposed to prevent people from being cut off during the pandemic was lifted by the Government.

80% of SVP’s core fundraising is now conducted during the October to December period, with traditional church collections only permitted to resume recently.

"Last year we were blown away by the support we received during such a difficult time," Regional President Paddy O’Flynn said. "However, we are deeply concerned that there is a perception that the difficulty and challenges that we faced last year have somewhat diminished with the re-opening of society.

“Embargos on evictions and cutting off electricity and gas supplies during the pandemic have been lifted and we are receiving calls daily from people in dire need of assistance. Providing coal and fuel support during the winter months to families is a huge part of our work. We depend on the generosity of our many donors and we’re asking them to support us once again, if at all possible, in the coming weeks."

Last year, over 8,400 families and individuals were contacted and supported by SVP volunteers in Cork and Kerry.
 

CAR DRAW

The car draw will be a key fundraising event for the region this year, with tickets and free post return envelopes delivered to every household in Kerry and Cork and the added option of buying tickets online. Donations are also welcome through both channels.

Tickets for the raffle cost €5 each and can be returned in the Freepost SVP envelope or dropped into the SVP Regional Office at Ozanam House, 2 Tuckey Street, Cork or Unit 2 Monavalley Business Park, Tralee, Co Kerry. You can also purchase tickets online at the following link: https://app.galabid.com/svpcardraw.

First prize will be a brand-new Ford Focus, kindly donated by CAB Motor Company. In addition to this there will be six other cash prizes. The final date for entries will be 12 noon on Friday, January 7, 2022.

The draw will take on Wednesday, January 12, 2022 at CAB Motor Company showrooms, where the winners will be announced. Details of the winners will be published on www.SVP.ie.

Advertisement

News

Milltown plan to preserve history in community project 

Published

on

By

The Milltown History and Heritage Society has announced plans for an oral history archive for the community.

It is hoped that the collection and preservation of stories and folklore will be a valuable resource for future generations.

Oral history expert and historian Dr Tomás Mac Conmara will speak in Milltown in support of the launch.

Dr Mac Conmara, who is an award-winning oral historian, lecturer and author, will speak at the Muintir na Tíre Hall in Milltown at 8pm on Friday, October 24 and will introduce the fundamentals for the collection of oral history.

The presentation is free of charge and is supported by funding from the Creative Communities Grant Scheme 2025.

Attendees will be introduced to the practical skills required in interviewing, recording and documenting local heritage.

Stewart Stephans of the Milltown History and Heritage Society said they are excited to have Tomás to set them on the right path towards the development of the archive.

He said: “The collection and retention of oral history needs to be approached properly, drawing on the right advice and maintaining high standards, so we are pleased to be getting the input of such a renowned expert.” The event is open to anyone who would like to attend.

Continue Reading

News

Network Ireland Kerry discuss sustainable success

Published

on

By

Network Ireland Kerry held their third annual collaboration event last Wednesday at the Rose Hotel, Tralee. The theme was: “The Journey to Sustainable Success” which brought three industry experts together to talk about their own journey to sustainable successful.

Business professionals, entrepreneurs, and financial leaders came together for this highly anticipated event to learn about the journey from becoming a start-up, to a small-to-medium enterprise (SME), and a large SME.

The event was opened by AIB Branch Liaison for Network Ireland Kerry and AIB Castleisland Branch Manager, Colleen Shannon. It was MC’d by AIB Tralee Branch Manager, Stephen Stack.

Sarah Farrar of AINMHÌ, Garrett Dillon of Mr. Binman and Dillon Waste Ltd. and Susan Quirke-Crowley of Mounthawk Montessori School Group were among the speakers at the event.

These leaders spoke about their challenges, milestones, and breakthroughs they encountered, from launching an idea to scaling operations nationally.

Tara Elzingre of Tara Elzingre Consultancy, Zaneta Labuz-Czerwein of Rustic Boowa and Sharon Hartnett of U Coaching promoted their businesses for ‘Minute on the Mic’

Emily Reen, Network Ireland Kerry President, described the event as a testament to the power of partnership. She said: “The event underscored a powerful message: sustainable business success is not a solo journey. With the right partnerships, teams and financial tools, businesses of all sizes can grow with purpose, resilience, and long-term impact.”

Network Ireland Kerry will host their next monthly event on November 12 in Killarney and in collaboration with the Kerry Local Enterprise Office, titled: “Gain Competitive Advantage in Your Business”. This event will be MC’d by Karen Ronan, 2025 National Vice President of Network Ireland and CEO of Galway Chamber. This event is open to non-members and members, and everyone is welcome from 6 pm for networking and refreshments, with the event taking place from 6.30 pm to 8.30 pm.

Continue Reading

Last News

Sport