Irish Examiner teams up with St Vincent de Paul for Christmas charity campaign

Mikie Sheehan of the Irish Examiner and The Echo with SVP Regional President South West Region Paddy O'Flynn and SVP South West Regional Coordinator Gerry Garvey at the shop on North Main Street, Cork. Picture: Larry Cummins

The Irish Examiner and The Echo has joined with the Society of St Vincent de Paul (SVP) this Christmas to raise funds for families in need.

On Saturday, December 17, the Irish Examiner and The Echo will donate 20c from every paper sold to the charity.

Furthermore, for every new subscriber that signs up to IrishExaminer.com during the month of December, €5 will be donated to SVP.

SVP South West Regional Co-ordinator Gerry Garvey said they are "delighted" to be working with the Examiner "and its growing audience both in print and online".

"All funds raised will be used throughout Cork to assist any families and seniors through this very challenging winter. This year in addition to the traditional needs of food on tables and heat in homes we have the added challenge of spiralling energy costs which are difficult to even quantify as they change so rapidly," said Mr Garvey.

"The current freezing temperatures further impact those at the fringes of Society in poorly insulated homes and with very limited incomes. 

"This Christmas, SVP will deliver more than 3,500 food hampers throughout the region, will assist some 800 homes with coal and other heating sources and will expend more than €145,000 on energy costs to literally keep the lights and essential equipment going."

Irish Examiner and The Echo Marketing Director Karen O’Donoghue added that the publications are delighted to support SVP, "who provide invaluable and worthwhile support to people in need".

You can pick up a copy of this Saturday’s Irish Examiner at your local newsagent or you can subscribe here.

You can also donate directly to St Vincent De Paul here.