Cork SVP members help celebrate 180 years of helping communities

Members from the Society of St Vincent de Paul (SVP) in Cork were among more than 1,000 members and volunteers of the society from across the country who came together to celebrate its 180th anniversary.

Since its foundation here in 1844, SVP has been serving the poorest and most vulnerable in Irish communities.

Calls for assistance in 2023 reached over 250,000, which is more than double the number of calls 10 years ago, with Cork SVP volunteers telling The Echo at the end of last year that they were facing their “toughest Christmas in decades.”

SVP national president Rose McGowan told the gathering that, “throughout every period of change our members have been a bedrock of support for hundreds of thousands of Irish people. And we should be proud of that.”

“Our country’s strength is grounded in our ability to work together to solve problems and SVP will continue to fight for investment in our communities and services based on the dignity and human rights of all.”

Compassion

Ms McGowan said that as the largest charity organisation working with people affected by inequality, poverty, and racism, it can show leadership by lending its voice to those who promote a society built on respect, compassion, and inclusion.

“We do not tolerate hatred or racism; everyone deserves to be helped and welcomed when in need — our work is that of charity, and no act of charity is foreign to the society.

“Our support and friendship is to the person, regardless of their ethnic background or nationality.”

Other speakers on the day included former president of Ireland and current chair of the Elders, Mary Robinson; SVP International president, Juan Manuel Buergo Gómez and founder of Ireland Thinks, Kevin Cunningham.