SVP gears up for annual fundraiser as they receive 'unprecedented number of calls' for help

ST VINCENT DE PAUL is appealing for support following the launch of one its most well-known and notable fundraisers.

The annual SVP south-west car draw is a key fundraising event for the region, with tickets and free post return envelopes delivered to every household in Cork and Kerry and the option of buying tickets online also. Donations are also welcome through both channels.

A Ford Focus donated by the Tomar Trust, a philanthropic initiative, is up for grabs this year and can be viewed at Mahon Point Shopping Centre, where tickets can also be purchased.

The deadline for entries is midday on Friday, January 5, 2024. A total of six other cash prizes will also be up for grabs in addition to the Ford Focus. The draw will take on Wednesday, January 10, 2024, at CAB Motors where the winners will be announced.

It comes as the charity prepares for a difficult year filled with hardship.

SVP south-west’s regional coordinator Gerry Garvey said the charity is gearing up for one of the most difficult periods for the south-west region in many years.

“We continue to receive an unprecedented number of calls for this time of year and from all walks of life, including — but not limited to — pensioners and social welfare parents, carers and those on disability payments, and those on low paid employment,” he said.

He highlighted the specific concerns for people struggling amid a cost-of-living crisis.

“Energy and food costs are the primary concern for callers and SVP are the only charity providing fuel assistance to families and vulnerable individuals in Cork during the winter months. The price of a bag of coal has almost doubled this year — it may even increase again, and this has really put a strain on our reserve funds for the year,” Mr Garvey said.

“The overriding theme we are seeing this year is that, in addition to struggling and vulnerable people, the cost-of-living crisis is pushing full-time lower-income workers further into poverty and we are receiving calls from people who are in despair every day because they are struggling massively to cope with basic living expenses.”

SVP regional president Paddy O’Flynn described the fundraiser as “critical” to their work.

“The Cork public has always been extremely generous to St Vincent De Paul. We are now asking you to return your tickets, payment and donations to our regional office in the pre-paid envelope provided. Last year we were blown away by the support we received during such a difficult time.”

Tickets for the car draw are priced at €5 each and can be purchased online at svp.ie/cardraw23  SVP envelopes can also be posted free of charge or returned to the SVP regional office at Ozanam House, 2 Tuckey Street, Cork.