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After the overwhelming response last Friday night on The Late Late Show, St. Vincent de Paul want to remind people how important it is that you get in touch with them to ask for help. Daniel and Majella O Donnell were guests on the show and they advocated for the work of SVP and encouraged people to donate to the charity.
We are living in very strange times, Covid 19 has changed our lives in so many ways. At this time, we are all encouraged to reach out to our neighbours, to help and to give to others who are in need. But we must also remember that we all need help sometimes.
That is what the St. Vincent de Paul is there for, to help and support people through tough times, times like this when we stand on such unsteady ground.
We are here for you...often we can find it so hard to ask for help or admit that we simply can't cope, but now is not a time for that now is the time to ask. Ask for that help that you are so good at giving, ask for that support that you have offered to others. Think of the St. Vincent de Paul as your friend, your neighbour, your someone that you can rely on for friendship and support.
Covid 19 has changed so many people’s lives, one of those people who got in touch with us recently agreed to share their story with us because they know that by sharing their story it may encourage others to call and ask for help, here is a little bit about their situation:
“I'd just like to say a big thank you to all at St Vincent de Paul for the help you have given me over the last couple of weeks. I was in a difficult situation financially having no income for over a month as my small business has been affected by Covid 19. I had been getting loans week to week from my sister who I promised to repay once I received my Covid 19 payment. When my application was refused, I was down to my last few euro and I actually borrowed some money from 2 of my children aged 13 and 16 to buy some bread milk and cheese. I did not feel I could go back to mysister for another loan having left him with the expectation that I would be repaying quickly.
I have never had to approach a charity for help in the past and I have given regularly (if modestly ) to charities. I felt hesitant to look for help but decided to swallow my pride. The first I thought to contact was St Vincent de Paul. I looked up their Galway number online and phoned you. I explained my situation (and became a little upset doing so as I hadn't talked to anyone about it) The person on the line was understanding and considerate and promised to have some help for me that very day. I felt a great weight lifted off me immediately. You followed through on that promise and have been a great help over the last couple of weeks. Everyone I was in contact with treated me graciously and without judgement. This has allowed me to accept your assistance without feeling any shame. Thank you.”
After reading this letter, we hope it will give you the confidence to know that you are not alone. We are here for you, and we can help.
We know it can be hard to ask for help, but please know from the minute you make that phone call or send that email you will breathe a sigh of relief because we will listen, we will help and we will be there for you.
