SVP prepares Christmas hampers as charity launches fundraising drive

It comes as the Irish Examiner announced details of its annual fundraising drive for the charity

SVP staff members John McGregor and Annette Butler work together to pack food boxes at the charity’s warehouse in Blackpool. The Irish Examiner is supporting the Society of St Vincent de Paul this Christmas by celebrating little acts of kindness, highlighting how even the smallest gesture can brighten someone’s life. Picture: Chani Anderson.

It’s a situation no family wants to find themselves in at any time of year.

However, poverty can be even more difficult for many parents at Christmas who only want the same as everyone else for their children.

Saint Vincent De Paul conference president Kate Durrant and her team from the St Fiacre’s division of Saint Vincent De Paul in Cork City are busy packing food and hygiene hampers to ensure no one has to go without this Christmas.  

It follows the launch of this year's Irish Examiner charity campaign, which will see the newspaper acknowledge "little acts of kindness" with a donation to the charity. 

SVP conference president Kate Durrant: 'Unfortunately, there will be families who, through no fault of their own, need support and we will be there for them.' Picture: Chani Anderson.

People are being asked to nominate a child or young person and include details of their good deed by visiting irishexaminer.com/littleactsofkindness. These will then be published in the Irish Examiner on December 20 and the names entered into a draw for a voucher. 

Kate Durrant described the importance of the charity's work.

“Some of the people who will be availing of these don’t even know that they need them yet,” Ms Durrant told the Irish Examiner. 

“There could be illness. There could be job losses or a bereavement. Unfortunately, there will be families who, through no fault of their own, need support and we will be there for them.” 

Ms Durrant has seen a number of parents go without food for themselves to ensure their kids have a happy Christmas.

“Santa will always come. We know that. Unfortunately, this means that sometimes the adults feel they have no option but to go without for themselves. Some of the houses we go into have empty fridges.” 

She laments that poverty can often lead to isolation.

“Poverty is isolating to the extent that it stops people answering the door," she said. "If I come knocking and you don’t have milk, tea or biscuits to offer me, you are probably not going to open the door to me. 

"We want to make sure that people can open their doors to anybody calling, put on the kettle and share what they have got because that is what Christmas is all about. We’d like people to be able to close their doors and forget their troubles, even if it’s just for Christmas.” 

Asking for help can be a daunting task for anyone in need.

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“Giving is easy but taking is really difficult. If there is anybody out there who needs help we are happy to give it to them because none of us can do this on our own. 

"There is enough food in the world for everybody. We just want to make sure it’s in the right place for everyone this Christmas.” 

Kate said it’s the little things that often mean the most at Christmas.

“At Christmas, chocolate is a food group so we always make sure that children have the treats we always associate with Christmas. Even having a Christmas cake to tuck into or a tub of pringles can make a huge difference for families.” 

(Left to right) John O’Mahony, group editor Irish Examiner and The Echo; John Connolly, SVP volunteer; Cormac O’Sullivan, SVP South East regional co-ordinator; Kate Durrant, SVP volunteer; and Nicola Cullinane, marketing brand manager of the Irish Examiner, at the charity’s warehouse in Blackpool. Picture: Chani Anderson.

She assured full discretion for families seeking their services.

“It’s all delivered in a plain white van so neighbours don’t have to know you are receiving a delivery from us. There is dignity in that. We always call or text in advance so it’s the same as if you are getting a delivery from Tesco or Dunnes. 

"We know how hard it is to reach out at a time like this but we really hope that people will.”

Anyone in need of a Christmas hamper from the organisation this year can visit svp.ie. Donations can also be made via the website. 

Hygiene hampers are also available for those in need and contain items such as shampoo and conditioner as well as mouthwash and baby products.