Less in their pockets but people are giving more

According to Enda Breslin, Saint Vincent de Paul, although there is less in people"s pockets, the public are giving more than ever before to the organisation that provides support to those experiencing poverty.'Our annual collection is up by eight percent, so it is quite humbling to see people being so generous,' said Enda, but in the current economic climate, there is a greater need than ever before for people to donate.Comparing 2008 figures to those of 2007, Enda says Saint Vincent de Paul this Christmas distributed 10 per cent more hampers; they provided an additional 2.3 per cent towards ESB services; they doubled their expenditure on helping people with gas bills; and paid out 90 per cent more on fuel costs, and 10 per cent more on providing clients with food vouchers.Enda said the local Saint Vincent de Paul saw calls to their local help-line jump dramatically in mid 2008. Although he thought that Mullingar did not seem to be the worst hit, he conceded that the worst might still be down the road.'My concern for this year is the outlying rural areas, such as Delvin, Killucan and Rochfortbridge,' he said. 'We will be working particularly hard in those areas to let people know we are here if they need our help,' he said.In addition to direct assistance, Saint Vincent de Paul try to promote self-sufficiency, enabling people to help themselves. Any assistance offered by the Society is given in a non-judgemental spirit of compassion, based on the need of the individual or family.Anyone anxious to help St. Vincent de Paul in its work can do so either by donating time or money.According to the organisation, every financial contribution enables Saint Vincent de Paul to serve those in need.The Society is a volunteer organisation that is always in need of volunteers, check out www.svp.ie which outlines the type of voluntary work the organisation undertakes. Or for more information contact the local Saint Vincent de Paul office on 044 9343868.