SVP in urgent appeal to cope with Galway crisis

St Vincent de Paul (SVP) have this week issued an urgent appeal for volunteers, with hundreds of needy families in the city bracing themselves for a ‘cold, cold Christmas’ as the poverty trap continues to grow.

Already, SVP in the city has recorded a major increase in applications for assistance through the month of September, and they predict that the situation will worsen further in the run-up to Christmas.

Electricity cut-offs and a lack of fuel to heat up homes tops the urgent list for the SVP – with the approach of the cold season and Christmas, demand is expected to reach record levels this year.

“There is no doubt about it – there is a major increase in the numbers of families and individuals who are in serious need of help to provide for the basics of food, clothing, footwear, electricity and fuel,” said Acting SVP Administrator Madge McGreal.

She added that in the present economic climate, more and more families and individuals are turning to SVP for help.

“A variety of skills are needed to fulfil this work. Volunteers are trained in the ethos of the society and offer assistance in a non-judgmental spirit of compassion, based on the need of the individual or family,” said Madge McGreal.

She said, that as things stood, the SVP had up to 300 volunteers operating around the city but they needed more, especially on the East side of town.

According to Michael McCann, Area President of SVP, given the extent of the Society’s activities, they could not survive without the contributions of hundreds of volunteers

“In the present economic climate, more and more families and individuals are turning to SVP for help. A variety of skills are needed to fulfil this work and volunteers are trained in the ethos of the society and offer assistance in a non-judgmental spirit of compassion, based on the need of the individual or family,” said Michael McCann.

SVP in the city are holding an information evening to recruit volunteers on Thursday, November 7 (6pm to 8pm) in the Ballybane Enterprise Centre, comprising of a short presentation followed by a chat with current Society volunteers.

The volunteers are trained to offer assistance in ‘a non-judgmental spirit of compassion, based on the need of the individual or family’. Volunteers operate in teams of two, undertaking visits to individuals and families in need of assistance.

Following the information evening, those interested will be invited to apply for membership, and volunteer training will then take place on Saturday, November 16 from 10am to 4pm, also in the Ballybane Enterprise Centre.

The SVP have also issued a special thanks to the many individuals and businesses who make contributions to fund the activities of the Society. Anyone unable to attend the information evening can find out more about the work by calling 091-563233 or email: info@svpgalway.ie.