Calls for help to SVP increase by 7%
It had a 7% increase in calls for help to about 10,000 last month from families in Dublin, Kildare and Wicklow, compared to November 2014.
While there has been a very generous public response to appeals for donations over the past month, the society now expects to assist more than 140,000 people. That was the figure it anticipated helping over a six-week period when its Christmas appeal was launched a month ago.
SVP national fundraising team member, Deborah Costello, said demand varies between regions for the all-Ireland appeal, but increases reflect what is going on inside homes around the country.
“We’ve had unprecedented levels of calls, but we are fully committed to helping everybody who gets in touch,” she said.
“We have no idea how this increase is happening, the calls are coming from lone parents, big families, people living alone, the elderly and anyone else you can think of.”
Ms Costello said people might read from news coverage that the economy is growing, and so they could think everybody is doing better.
“We’re not seeing this at all, the phones are constantly busy. There’s a huge demand for food, but not for Christmas extras, it’s just the basics that they are struggling with.
“For many, the real cost of Christmas isn’t felt until the new year, because parents have put off paying bills in November or December, so January and February bring their own problems,” she said.
Despite the pressure to meet demand, Ms Costello stressed that people who are facing difficulties should not worry about seeking SVP’s help.
It spends an average of €40m a year in direct assistance, mainly with food, energy bills, education, clothing and furniture, and toys at Christmas.
It is possible to make a donation or seek assistance from the charity through its website, which also lists details for local offices.
www.svp.ie
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
