Cork Views: Despair for some Cork families as Christmas draws closer 

As the festive season approaches, the holiday spirit is everywhere – in the sparkle of the lights, the warmth of family gatherings, and the sounds of laughter shared among friends.

But for some families in Cork, this time of year is marked not by celebration, but by fear and despair.

They struggle daily to feed their families and heat their homes so the thought of Christmas toys and celebrations is more a nightmare than a dream.

They are experiencing real poverty in 2024 and turning to SVP in significant numbers.

As food and energy prices remain high and the cost-of-living crisis continues, vulnerable communities are feeling the strain.

St Vincent De Paul (SVP) is urging the people of Cork to show their support through their Annual Car Draw Appeal – an annual fundraiser that has provided a lifeline to many in the Southwest region.

Will you help by donating to SVP and returning the Car Draw tickets already delivered to every residence throughout Cork?

The impact of the Cork public’s support doesn’t end with a ticket purchase.

By contributing to this draw, you’re helping SVP South-West continue providing fuel assistance to those who need it most, delivering food hampers to families struggling to make ends meet, and ensuring that the most vulnerable among us have a warm, safe place to call home.

To continue to make a difference, why not consider volunteering with SVP in 2025 ( www.svp.ie/volunteer 021-4720444).

During the month of October alone, SVP South-West received a staggering 4,645 calls for help, with the number expected to surge to over 1,650 calls per week this month.

It is estimated that in excess of 38,000 people, including circa 7,000 children, in Cork are experiencing some form of poverty as their income falls short of the Minimum Essential Standard of Living (MESL).

The numbers represent a stark reminder of the hardship that many Cork families are facing at what is already a vulnerable and challenging time of year.

Despite recent increases in social welfare payments, these measures are insufficient to alleviate the real challenges people face.

We are receiving calls from people who are in despair every day as they struggle with exorbitant living expenses for themselves and their families.

The burden is palpable, and the need for community support has never been greater.

The impact of this crisis goes beyond statistics.

Behind every call for help is a real person facing difficult choices that no one should have to make.

For some, it’s the choice between heating their home and putting food on the table. For others, it’s deciding whether to pay a bill or buy necessary medicine.

These unfair and seemingly impossible choices unfortunately represent the harsh reality for many people who seek our support every day as their income consistently falls short in meeting basic needs.

SVP’s work in Cork is crucial in bridging that gap, providing not just material aid, but a sense of dignity and support to those who find themselves in a vulnerable position.

Generating the funds needed to provide these essential supports is where SVP’s Annual Car Draw steps in. More than just a fundraiser, this event is a crucial source of income that helps sustain SVP South-West’s ability to assist those who need it most. The funds raised will go towards providing food hampers, fuel assistance, education costs and other supports that make a tangible difference in people’s lives.

Last year, SVP volunteers reached out to more than 27,314 families, distributing 18,660 food hampers and providing fuel assistance to over 5,442 households.

The organisation also played a vital role in preventing homelessness for 97 families, giving them the support they needed to stay in their homes and maintain stability.

The people of Cork have always shown tremendous generosity and compassion. This year, as winter sets in and the challenges grow, we kindly ask you to lend your support once again.

Whether it’s through buying a ticket, making a donation, or spreading the word, your contribution will mean hope and relief for those who are feeling the weight of the world on their shoulders.

While the prospect of winning a new car or one of the cash prizes is exciting, it’s important to remember that every ticket purchased is more than just a chance to win a prize. It’s a show of solidarity, an affirmation that the people of Cork are ready to support one another through difficult times. It’s a reminder that, in our community, no one should have to face hardship alone.

For those looking to take part, purchasing a ticket is simple. Each ticket costs just €5, or you can buy five for €20. Tickets are available online at www.svp.ie/cardraw24 or can be obtained through freepost envelopes at SVP Regional Offices in Cork and Tralee. Entries close at 12 noon on Friday, January 10, 2025, and the draw will take place on Wednesday, January 15, with the Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr. Dan Boyle, present to announce the winners.

The Car Draw has become a cornerstone of SVP South West’s efforts to secure the funding needed to maintain our essential services annually, and we are so incredibly grateful and humbled to have had such overwhelming support from the public over the years.

First prize is a brand-new Ford Focus, with six additional cash prizes up for grabs. However, the true prize lies in the benefits that every ticket purchased brings. Each ticket purchase represents hope for a family facing tough times, reassurance that the community is looking out for them, and the means for SVP to continue its work throughout the year. It is a reminder that, together, we have the power to make a difference.

We continue to find new ways to offer help to families and individuals in need and have overcome many challenges to do so but it must be re-iterated that this would not be possible without the consistent, unwavering support of the Cork public - and we really do appreciate it.

Visit www.svp.ie/cardraw24 to get your tickets today or can be obtained through freepost envelopes at SVP Regional Offices in Cork and help us to continue delivering essential support to struggling families and individuals.