SVP launches annual appeal; says recovery 'not lifting all boats'

The Society of St Vincent de Paul has said it expects to help up to 30,000 people between now and Christmas.

The charity is launching its annual appeal to continue to help those in need, saying calls are up more than 100% on 2009.

National Vice President of the Society Tom Mac Sweeney said many families were still struggling.

"We're glad to see the economic indicators that things are improving," he said, "but we are still seeing that there are many people with problems ranging from not having enough food to not having the money to keep the heating on, worrying about the lights and the next gas bill and their children going to school.

"All boats are not being lifted."