Statistics reveal that the Society helped over twenty thousand people in need in the run up to Christmas.   The figures are taken from a recent survey from over 100 Society branches throughout Northern Ireland.   Direct help was given to 15,636 people in the form of cash, food, fuel, toys and other essentials such as clothing, furniture and electrical items.   A further 4,949 visits were made to old people living alone many of whom were also entertained at numerous Christmas parties or received food hampers.		click to enlarge   This chart shows the types of help given and the number of cases during December 2006. The cost of providing this help was well in excess of a quarter of a million pounds. £154k was given out in cash grants alone to over 5,000 families and individuals struggling to survive on the margins of society in order to help them 'make-ends-meet' over Christmas.
Larry McArdle	Regional President Larry McArdle said -   "These figures give us a real insight to the level of poverty that exists in Northern Ireland. These are real people who needed our help for the most basic items that most of us take for granted in our daily lives. With your support, thankfully we were able to help them.   People struggle with debt, higher fuel bills, feeding and clothing their children, furniture and electrical items everyday of the year and they turn to the SVP for help and assistance.   The Society wishes to thank all those who have donated to our appeals and look forward to your continuing support throughout the year.