SVP rely on 'rainy day funds' during Christmas period

The Regional President of Saint Vincent de Paul (SVP), Cork claims that the organisation is currently getting by on its ‘rainy day’ fund but will help everyone who seeks assistance. Brendan Dempsey said he was not sure if the other SVP offices around the country are facing the same problems, as they are all too busy to keep in constant contact.
“I’d say it’s the same in all regions, but I’m not sure. We won’t be meeting again until after the New Year because we’re so busy. The money should last us into the New Year. After that, we may have to rely on public donations.
For those who cannot give money, Mr Dempsey said the organisation would gladly accept volunteer time.
Mr Dempsey said that the recent half a tonne free cheese that was delivered to SVP Cork was out of stock by 4pm on the day that it arrived.
“We were absolutely blown away by the amount of people who were looking for the cheese. The half a tonne we ordered was gone only a few hours after it came in. We’ve ordered a new batch and we’re still waiting for that to come in.”
Mr Dempsey, a retired lorry driver, said that the future of Ireland is at risk and the current Government is not doing enough to save it.
“Just the other day a third year student in the university came in to us saying that he has to drop out of college because he couldn’t afford it any more. He was unsure about what the future holds for him and his face was pure white when I was talking to him.
“There are thousands of students missing out on becoming doctors, dentists and whatever else the university in Cork offers.
“Young people like that young man will have to become lorry drivers like me. That wasn’t what was supposed to happen. This generation was supposed to have it different to mine. They were supposed to have it better.”
Mr Dempsey went on to say that politicians didn’t do enough to help prevent the social injustices.
“The government didn’t do enough to help people. Most of them are gutless, toothless and useless. We elected them and we elected their opposition. The only real opposition to the social injustices that were going on was the media.
“The only politician that springs to mind that really helped Cork was the last Lord Mayor, Dara Murphy. He got up and came out and talked to the people on the street. He was great.”
Mr Dempsey said that SVP Cork is still searching for more volunteers, who would volunteer for two to three hours a week.
“We would train them up and then they would take part in some of the activities we organise. We do prison visitations, meals on wheels, help the homeless and we have around 18 shops throughout the city and county.”
To volunteer with SVP Cork, phone 021-4270444 or visit the base at Ozanam House, 2 Tuckey Street.

SVP rely on 'rainy day funds' during Christmas period

Say cheese!

A total of 58 Cork charities have received over 18 tonnes of cheese this week as the Government’s free cheese scheme is rolled out around the country. In Cork, the voluntary organisations collected the cheese at Orchard Warehousing, Cobh Cross and Colso Enterprises, Togher.
The President of Saint Vincent de Paul in Cork, Brendan Dempsey, said there is much demand in Cork for the free cheese, saying he already has a list of around 65 to 70 people that are looking for it.
“People are delighted to be getting the cheese. We have had an incredible amount of people calling in to see if they can get it. I have a big list of clients that are looking for the cheese.
“Of course people will be embarrassed. People are always embarrassed when they ask for help, but people have to ask or help when there are children going to bed hungry, and there are plenty of children going to bed hungry in Cork.”
Mr Dempsey said that he has spoken with many people around Cork who are under pressure to save money that are looking forward to their free cheese.
“I met one family who have to survive for the rest of the month on €120. That’s €120 for a mother, father and child. When I called over to them they were eating dry pasta. “In the last few months, I have never seen as many grown men coming into Saint Vincent de Paul crying. We’ve had to put tissues in our rooms. People are under huge amounts of pressure. Some people may scoff when it comes to the free cheese, but some people really will appreciate it.”
However, Sinn Fein councillor, Henry Cremin blasted the scheme, saying that he was “fuming” when he first heard of it.
“I thought it was a joke when it came out a few weeks ago. A few people called me as well and asked if the Government was serious.
“What they should have done was give out hampers or reinstate the Christmas bonus. If they did that, the money would be going right back into the local economy. People don’t hold on to their Christmas bonus. They spend it.”
Cllr Cremin also said that not everyone who was given the cheese would get the full benefit of it.

Say cheese!