The Gorey Conference of the St. Vincent de Paul Society have in previous years reported a very high demand on their services at Christmas, but they are bracing themselves for an extremely busy time in the run up to this Christmas against a background of growing numbers seeking their help and a drop in donations received over the last year.

“We expect this Christmas to be busier than previous years,” said Jim Lee, President of St. Joseph’s Conference, Gorey, who added, “The volunteers in Gorey Conference are well aware of the pressures on people, especially families in the run up to the Christmas festivities.”

Mr. Lee continued; “For some it will be a question of providing heat and lighting. For others it will be the pressure of making sure Santa visits the children and leaves something by way of new toys and games.

For those in desperate situations it will be a question of trying to put food on the table, not just for Christmas Day, but throughout the festive season.”

Mr. Lee confirmed that they have experienced a drop in donations over the past year. “We would ask people to support our fundraising efforts where possible not only in the run up to Christmas, but throughout the year.”

In 2011, the Gorey Conference spent over €145,000 helping the needy in its catchment area.

“Other than what we gave the electricity supply companies we can sincerely say that the bulk of the €145,000 was spent in Gorey,” stated Mr. Lee.

“Gorey has a wonderful spirit of giving in good times and bad,” said Mr. Lee, who also explained, “We would like people to know that in the local conference we do not receive government funding. We rely totally on voluntary fundraising with the help of a very dedicated team of volunteers.”

Full story in this week’e edition of THE GOREY ECHO.