Editorial: Please spare a thought for the needy

In these final days of run-up to the Festive Season there will be millions of Euro spent on many different types of presents, food, drink, goodies and ensuring that everybody has a great time over Christmas.

However, having a great time will not be the universal story within our own communities, not to mention on a global scale. There will be those who will struggle this week, the same as last week , and next week and the week after that again. Just because it is Christmas, it does not make the problems go away. In fact, in many cases the problems can be heightened as the pressure of the season piles high.

So, what can you do about it? Well perhaps, when you are out doing your Christmas shopping, you might spare a few Euro for one of those great charities which does such great work to help the less well-off, all year round. There are many charities and many great causes, all doing wonderful work.

However the St Vincent de Paul Society is right there at the coalface of poverty, trying to open the door to let in some light; helping and assisting while maintaining the dignity of the person; and working hard to make Christmas a little bit more bearable. The work is excellent - a real Christian approach to the poor, but with a non-denominational outlook. The only criteria the SVP desires is that the recipient is in need of help. The only question asked- how can we help?

The SVP, like most charities in the country at the present time, has experienced huge increases in the numbers seeking help. The energy crisis alone has resulted in peaked and unprecedented demand and with the recent bitterly cold spell of weather, that demand has been topped again. So, the need is great; the well of resources is dwindling; and whatever few bob you can spare from your shopping trolley can help to go some distance.

Please remember those charities this week - charity begins at home, your home. So please give a little and it will help a lot.

Happy Christmas to all.