"On behalf of the Society of St Vincent de Paul throughout Northern Ireland, I would like to thank everybody who played their part in making this year's Christmas Appeal a success. To everyone who made a donation at the Masses and members of the business community and others who made private donations no matter how large or small.... to those who left in gifts for the Family Appeal and supported all our Street Collections and Giving Trees....to all the schools who sold Christmas cards and made up the hundreds of hampers...Thank You All.... Regional President Larry McArdle

The Society of St Vincent de Paul wishes to thank everyone who supported our recent appeals and helped bring much hope and happiness to families over Christmas.

 

Once again "You" the ever generous public have made an enormous contribution both financially and in kind to thousands of needy families throughout Northern Ireland.

 

During SVP Week (2nd to 10th December), special collections were taken at Masses and around 30,000 copies of our latest annual report distributed.

 

Some conferences also organised other 'novel' fundraising events such as carol singing, bag packing and the selling of Christmas cards.

 

Our joint 'Family Appeal' with the Salvation Army kicked off with TV and radio coverage on 4th December and over 15,000 toys and gifts were handed in at collection points all over Northern Ireland.

 

In Belfast, the annual 'Giving Tree' at Marks and Spencer along with other smaller giving trees also helped boost the number of gifts received. This was complimented by our biggest 'Flag-Day" ever. Over 130 volunteers, supporters and members of BCM braved the elements in Belfast's city centre on 9th of December and collected a staggering £6,927.84 (an increase of over 50% on last year)!!!