Noel Boyce, an active volunteer serving the Society of St Vincent de Paul (SVP), prides himself on providing not just charity, but friendship and empowerment to those he aids. The 74-year-old retiree used to helm the IT department of transportation firm CIÉ and is now among the more than 10,000 volunteers boosting SVP’s efforts to support society’s less fortunate.
Influenced by a regular charity collector at his local church in Rialto, Dublin, and an encouraging priest, Boyce joined SVP, which he finds fulfilling due to the opportunities to interact with people and make a difference in their lives. Established in 1833 by Antoine Frederic Ozanam, a 20-year-old Parisian student, and then founded in Dublin 11 years later, the SVP is commemorating its 180th year of service this year. Its celebration includes a members’ day event where former Irish president and the current chair of The Elders, Mary Robinson, will be present as a speaker.
The SVP’s operations largely depend on its regional units, referred to as “conferences”. Boyce presides over 14 of these conferences spanning Crumlin, Dublin 12, and Dublin 8. According to him, a conference ideally comprises six members, but the pandemic has resulted in a decrease in membership.
Despite the prevailing hesitance about house-visits in view of Covid, Boyce insists on the importance of this personal approach as volunteers respond to callers seeking help. Among those they assist with shopping vouchers are employed individuals who struggle due to the increasing cost of living. This essential work, bolstered by millions in charity donations, also supports students with their college expenses.
In my locality, a significant number of single mothers, many of whom have children on the autism spectrum waiting for a diagnosis, thrive. Thanks to the SVP, these mothers receive financial support to diagnose their children privately, so they don’t have to wait for a couple of years. Besides, the charity helps them with the escalating rents.
82-year-old Madeleine Uí Mhéalóid from Mullagh, Co Cavan, has been actively involved with the SVP for over three decades. With the rural nature of her area, she points out the pronounced isolation, especially amongst the elderly. Volunteers from the SVP offer companionship and assistance to these vulnerable older people, reassuring them that their help is strictly private.
She further identifies numerous disadvantages faced by families, particularly single parenting. Such families are considerably hit by the increasing cost of living, and the rising food prices have a profound effect. Some mothers even deny themselves food and heating to cater for their children’s needs when at school.
According to Ms Uí Mhéalóid, education serves as the vital instrument in breaking the cycle of disadvantages. Consequently, the SVP endeavours to support individuals at all phases. She lauds the sourcing of meals in schools for children and, on a local level, the reopening of the Tara Mines.
A common issue is the dwindling culture of saving. People no longer preserve for ‘a rainy day’ as they used to. Instead, they tend to spend what they have as soon as they get it. The running costs of a vehicle, which is a necessity in predominantly rural areas, add to citizens’ financial strain, along with the costs for children’s clothing and essential household items like beds, mattresses, and washing machines.
The president of SVP in Co Clare, Denis Carty, acknowledges that most of their approximately 130 volunteers are aged, like him— in his 50s, lots of them are retired individuals. They are indeed in need of a more youthful workforce.
In the county of Clare, the rising cost of living is the primary concern among those assisted by the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul (SVP). Such costs include maintaining a vehicle, chiefly an older model, which is common among SVP beneficiaries in the rural community. The prospect of electric vehicles (EVs) remains elusive, observes Carty.
Housing has emerged as a significant issue in recent years, largely due to rent inflation. This has led to relocations, which often entail changing schools. Moreover, the existing housing pool has been found to typically be aged and unsuitable.
When help is required, two SVP volunteers – a mandatory pair – make a home visit to discuss the pressing situation, states Denis Carty. He also highlights single mothers as the demographic most vulnerable to poverty and deprivation. Their inability to work outside of their homes often presents specific challenges.
In such cases, schools serve as a strong pillar of support by providing meals and reading materials. Denis Carty refers to the worsening predicament of single parents who are without homes.
When someone requests aid, “two volunteers – without fail, two – call at the dwelling to discuss the prevailing issue”, Carty asserts.
“We aim to alleviate the problem. Great significance is placed on education,” he says.
Carty narrates an instance of a mother who motivated her daughter to enrol in college, but there was no infrastructure to support her commute. “Actively, SVP chipped in to fund her travel expenses. This is a measure we often resort to,” he affirms.
Simultaneously, SVP aids individuals who are pursuing vocational courses, like hairdressing or cookery, by supplying necessary equipment for exams. According to Carty, SVP volunteers are incredibly devoted individuals who always exhibit diligence.