Saturday, November 08, 2014

Thanks for raffle support

The Kilcullen branch of the St Vincent de Paul thanks everyone who supported the Society’s recent raffle which raised a much-needed €1,616, writes Charlie Talbot.

Tickets were sold over a two-week period, with most of the sales taking place outside shops on two Saturday mornings. The kind, friendly way in which buyers greeted the ticket sellers was really appreciated. Thanks are also due to Clare Print, the management and staff of Berneys Chemists, the Vincents Shop, Nolans, Eurospar and Centra, and to the local Gardaí and the staff of the Parish Centre.

The prize in the raffle, an original watercolour of the Liffey Bridge at Carnalway, was won by Niamh Sully and was presented to her by the artist Ray Ryan; our picture also includes Angela Sully, John Coleman, Josephine Larkin (VdeP) and Bernadette Ryan.

The Vincent de Paul Society has been in Kilcullen for just over half a century, and in those fifty-odd years the support of the community has always been generous and encouraging.

The last few years have seen a rise in calls for help; and while the recession may be easing a bit, its effects are likely to be felt for some time to come. During the past year there have been calls from people who, through no fault of their own, found themselves in serious difficulties, but the goodness of the local community made it possible to give them at least some help even if not all their problems could be solved. It was possible, for example, to provide help with the cost of education, school uniforms, shelter, food, winter fuel and other supports for people who were under pressure for the necessities of ordinary living.

Many, many thanks to all who have supported the work of the society.