Unprecedented demand for SVP services across Cork and Kerry in 2025 

St Vincent de Paul (SVP) South-West has said there was an unprecedented demand for its services in 2025, a 20% increase on the number of people across Cork and Kerry it assisted compared to the previous year.

Launching the charity’s annual fundraising car draw, the SVP South-West regional president, Mary Frances Behan, said that they received more than 18,600 requests for help from people across Cork and Kerry during 2025. That’s a rise of 20%.

SVP South-West spent €5.8m on direct assistance to households throughout the region, including more than €4m on food, fuel, and educational supports.

This included the distribution of more than 12,000 food hampers and 10,600 food vouchers.

Ms Behan said that these figures highlight both the growing need and demand for their services in communities, along with the importance of local fundraising initiatives, such as the annual car draw.

Facing challenges

Ms Behan said: “Behind every request for support is a person, a family, a child, or an older person who is facing real challenges and difficult choices.

“Many of the people who come to us are struggling with the rising cost of everyday essentials and are finding it increasingly difficult to make ends meet.

“The generosity of the public, through initiatives such as the car draw, allows our members and volunteers to respond quickly and compassionately when help is needed most.”

Last year’s car draw raised more than €250,000, which was used to support the invaluable work SVP undertakes across Cork and Kerry, giving assistance towards food, electricity, gas, and education-related costs to those in need.

It also helped fund a range of services and community programmes, including the Knockadoon Holiday Camp in East Cork, which provides a residential summer holidays for 80 children aged between seven and 12.

Significant benefits

Launching the 2026 campaign, Francis Brennan, hotelier, television personality, and SVP car draw campaign champion, said he was proud to support a fundraising initiative that delivers such significant benefits to local communities.

“One of the things that I admire most about SVP is that its members are deeply rooted in the communities that they serve,” said Francis Brennan.

“Every ticket purchased helps support people locally who may be going through an exceptionally difficult time,” he said.

“Of course, there is also the excitement of winning a fantastic new car or one of the other wonderful prizes. But the real prize is knowing that your support is helping families across Cork and Kerry access the assistance they need.”

Tickets for the 2026 SVP car draw are now on sale and are priced at one for €10, three for €25, and five for €40.

The prizes include a new 2027 Hyundai Tucson, a €2,000 holiday voucher, and a €1,500 cash prize.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit https://www.svp.ie/product/svp-south-west-car-draw-2026.