Volunteers distribute hampers so there is food for all this Christmas
Hoffler, Eileen Leonard, Christmas The Gleeson Noel Gerard Nolan, Josh Richard Food Brian Noonan, Helping Northern Bill Ryan, Mulryan, Trust, Picture: And Redemptorists With Hampers Morrissey, Brendan Fr Attracta Carroll,
Every year, a group of volunteers prepare hampers before Christmas to make sure there is food on every table in Limerick, with 300,000 provided to grateful families over more than 50 years.
The Redemptorists will distribute nearly 7,000 food hampers this year to families in the Limerick city and county, and surrounding areas.
Set up by Fr Vincent Kavanagh in 1972 who aimed to provide Christmas food hampers to families in need. Since then, they have delivered 300,000 food hampers.
Now the mission is in the hands of Rector of the Redemptorists Limerick, Brian Nolan, who said the number of hampers delivered to households in the area increases every year.
“The number of hampers has gone up again this year. We work with partner organisations throughout the region. We’re noticing a trend of maybe 7% increase on the requests from groups coming in," Mr Nolan said.
Some people have to choose between putting food on the table or heat their household, he said.
“It’s trending closer to 7,000 this year. Prices of food on the shelves haven't gone down significantly and while the government has given some support for energy costs, people are still struggling. Unfortunately, some people almost have to make a choice. Is it heat or is it food? Which must be an awful, an awful choice for people to have to make particularly at this time of the year,” he said.
The Christmas Hamper Appeal involves collaboration with over 30 community organisations and a group of dedicated volunteers. Some of the groups involved include Midwest Simon, as well as agencies in Limerick City and County Council.
Mr Nolan said: “Our work for the Christmas hampers starts in September. We have a tendering process for the food that goes into the hampers to get the best price for the food to make sure that we're spending people's money prudently and wisely.
In the lead up to Christmas, volunteers have started packing the hampers, so the items can de delivered to families across the city and the county, just in time for Christmas.
If there is one thing rector Nolan wishes for this Christmas, it is that a little help might alleviate some of the stress faced by households in Limerick.
A couple of weeks ago, he was recommended a book, which according to him, perfectly encapsulates the idea behind the hamper initiative.
“A man knocks at the door of a young couple two days before Christmas. He was dishevelled, unkempt and spent most of his life living in care homes. He knocked at this door, he asked if he could please come in. That knock on the door changed all of their lives forever because they made a space for this person in their home who they didn't know, that knock on the door made a difference.
“What I would hope this Christmas is that the knock on the door for somebody delivering hamper might make even some small difference in people's eyes, that it might make what can be a difficult time financially and in so many other ways, a little bit less difficult for people,” he said.
On December 16 from 12pm to 2pm, and 4pm to 6pm, The Redemptorists will host a fundraising event in the Crescent Shopping Centre, with carol singers.
Meanwhile, in true Christmas fashion, one Cork supermarket is lending a helping hand to locals who may be struggling to cope financially this festive season.
Garvey’s Super Valu in Cobh will be teaming up with the Cobh Lions Club in order to provide and deliver Christmas food hampers to those most in need this December.
The hampers will be made up of everyday grocery staples like pasta and tea bags, as well as some Christmas essentials, and since the initiative launched earlier this month, around 80 people have made contact with the store.
Manager at Garvey’s, John Paul Curtin, said the idea came from staff members who “understand that Christmas can be a difficult time for many people within the community.”
“There is a real need for this out there, and at Garvey’s, we’re all about supporting local. We value our role in the community of Cobh, and we understand the importance of giving back."
“And I suppose there is no better time of year than Christmas to give back, especially when we know people are struggling,” Mr Curtin said.
This isn’t the first time for Garvey’s to run this initiative, but it receives a massive positive reaction every time it takes place.
“People have been ringing the shop, coming in to thank us, and we’ve even got a few cards in the post. It really means a lot, Mr Curtin added.
Garvey’s have set up a dedicated email address garveyscobhfoodpackage@gmail.com, where people can contact to enquire about the packages.
However, the cutoff will be “either today or tomorrow, as staff need time to get everything organised.”
The packages will be delivered to the doors of those who have expressed interest on a designated day the week before Christmas.
According to Mr Curtin, a “mixture of people” have reached out so far, including families, elderly people, and young people alike, and they all “really appreciate the help.” “People are really thankful for what they get, they are delighted, and it is nice to be able to bring them a bit of Christmas cheer and take some of that worry away.
“It feels really good to be able to make a difference in the lives of those struggling this Christmas.
“This time of year can be stressful for some, but there is great community spirit in Cobh, and we always look after each other,” Mr Curtin concluded.