Sinn Féin Councillor Thérèse Ruane is calling for people to remember those families who are facing a bleak festive season this Christmas. She is urging people to support St Vincent de Paul appeals this Christmas by donating money, food, toys, or fuel to assist families most in need.
Cllr Ruane said: “I have been inundated with calls from people who feel they have nowhere to turn for support in the lead up to Christmas, many families are facing a very bleak festive season as bills mount up and they struggle to keep food on the table, heat their homes and buy children Christmas presents.
“I am appealing to people who can afford it to support organisations like St Vincent de Paul who do Trojan work all year supporting families in poverty here in Mayo. St Vincent de Paul have a number of appeals this Christmas - food, fuel, or toys can be donated to them to support hard pressed families.
“Unfortunately, many people are turning to loan sharks and moneylenders to pay for Christmas, who exploit vulnerable people and charge exorbitant interest rates putting even further pressure on families and those living in poverty. I am appealing to people to look for help and not resort to moneylenders who prey on people's vulnerability.
“People are really struggling out there this Christmas. Following last week's Budget, the situation has become intolerable for many families in crisis; lone parents, unemployed, people on low pay, students, elderly, people straddled with huge debt. Now more than ever, it’s important to reach out to support more vulnerable people in our community and help those who are struggling in these difficult times.”
