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.