Westport St Vincent De Paul launch annual appeal for Christmas

As Christmas approaches, Westport St Vincent De Paul are seeking donations to support record number of families seeking help. At the launch of this year’s Annual Appeal, President Liam Campion said: “The calls of help to our office continues to increase. Help with food and energy continues to be the main reason for these requests.

“There theme for this year, ‘The Wonder of Christmas’, reflects the questions members face regularly in the run up to Christmas: ‘I wonder will I have enough for food and toys?’ ‘I wonder do the kids know we are struggling’. ‘I wonder how it is affecting them’. ‘I wonder how we got into this situation’. ‘I wonder if we will ever get out of it’. ‘I wonder if you can help’.”

Liam went on to say: “The fact of the Government no longer providing finance for electricity, there are many people who will continue to struggle to meet basic family expenses, particularly on special occasions such as Christmas.”

Pat Foley and Tom Navin, members of the Conference of SVP Westport spoke at Masses in Westport at the weekend on behalf of the St Vincent de Paul Society. They stated: “Last year we spent close to €120,000 on family assistance, fuel, food vouchers and education, helping people in need in our community. We have also distributed in excess of 600 food hampers. Unfortunately, today in Westport, for many people, it can still take just one small problem to tip someone into crisis and poverty, such as an unexpected illness or bill coupled with the current enormous cost of living increases. But we know that a little help at the right time can stop a domino effect leading to a family experiencing prolonged hardship.

“Coming up to Christmas and into the New Year we expect an increasing demand on our services particularly this year when, as everyone knows the cost of all our basic items such as food and fuel has increased greatly. By supporting our Annual Appeal, you can help a family through the winter. You can get them back on their feet and give them a brighter future and save them from falling into a life of poverty. Your support to our collection in the past has been tremendous and is very much appreciated because without your support we cannot provide any assistance.

“We are holding our Annual Church Gate Collection on Saturday and Sunday, November 22 and 23. This year we have Debit/Credit Card Tap facility. We are making envelopes available with the newsletter and can be returned at the collection or to Ozanam House, James Street or dropped into the presbytery. On the window of Ozanam House you will find a QR Code which will allow you to donate online if you wish to do so. All monies collected in Westport is spent supporting families in the Westport area.

“Thank you again for your continued support. We would urge anyone in genuine need to please, please contact us. Be assured your contact with us will be treated with the strictest confidence on 087 9334960.”

Stephen Breheny, Treasurer of the St. Vincent de Paul said donors who are PAYE or self-assessed tax payers can greatly increase their donation by signing up to CHY agreement.

How to donate

BY phone: on 0818 176 176 and nominate ‘St. Patrick’s Westport Appeal 2025’. By post: St Vincent de Paul, Ozanam House, James Street, Westport, F28V389. By Cheque: Cheque Payable to Society of St Vincent De Paul Westport. Bank Transfer: AIB Shop Street Westport, IBAN IE 78 AIBK 93716933764093, BIC AIBK IE2D. On line: SVP.IE/SP-westport-appeal-25

Scan the QR code

CONTACT details for Westport Saint Vincent de Paul are available in the Church newsletter, Presbytery, The Mayo News advert in the edition of November 18 and on the window of Ozanam House. For further details contact 087 9334960.

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