Surge in demand for SVP services

THE St Vincent de Paul yesterday said it expects a dramatic increase in people coming to them for help at Christmas time, with the charity already seeing a surge in calls to its offices.

Launching its annual Christmas appeal, the St Vincent de Paul said it was hoping to raise between €8 million and €10m this year so it can help provide food and heat to people struggling with debt.

The appeal campaign is spearheaded by new television and radio advertisements which will run from now until Christmas, appealing for donations from the public under the banner “You’re not just giving money – you’re giving hope”.