SVP Christmas Appeal

 

Increasingly homes are finding it hard to keep up their energy bills with many in arrears and with expected increases in VAT and carbon tax set to include home fuels like coal and peat bircketes many families are at risk of fuel poverty.College bills are putting a strain on family budgets too. Wither its homes that are just above the threshold for grants or those those receiving grants for the first time and experiencing significant delays more and more families are coming to the SVP needing to tide them over.Then of course there's the pressures that come with Christmas and trying manage children's expectations. Families are put under increasing financial pressure on themselves. It can often take 5 to 6 months for families to get over the Christmas spend. 

This year we are relying on you more than ever as we expect to visit over 150,000 homes over the Winter months so we are expecting this Christmas to be a challenging time again for so many families around the country. 

2fm SVP Toy Appeal

Choose a toy to the value you would like to donate and we'll make sure as many children as we can in your local area wakes up with a gift on Christmas morning.

A Night out at the Oscars

The Annual Canteen Ball

I would just like to thank everyone who came to the the CanTeen Winter Ball- A Night at the Oscars. to celebrate our 21st Birthday with us on Friday 18th of November 2011 from

A great night was had by all. Dr. Finn Branach one of the country's foremost experts on childhood cancers was our key note speaker. He's has been a very important part in many of our members lives.

Eric Lalor, who was one of Des Bishops Ballymun Boz from the  "Boz in The Hood" series was MC for the night. He'd definitely be rated 15A but had us all rolling around in stitches. Wasn't much of a stretch for him to get in either. Santry is only a stones through from 'Ballyer'. The entertainment was provided by 7pm till late at the Crowne Plaza in Santry Dublin 9. MC- Mr Eric Lalor Comedian. Band - Soul Sister. DJ- Marc Harris.

As the title suggests the theme of the night was based on the Oscars. Oscar himself made an appearance for a while. We also had the loan of the Heineken Cup for the evening. Many thanks to my uncle David and cousin Ann-Marie so that generated a good buzz. We also had our annual raffle. Some top prizes on offer including an areal tour of North Leinster from my former boss John Fingleton for two. Again many thanks John.

The night itself cost €75 per ticket but I think it was well worth it. The food and entertainment were great and I think the last time i looked at my watch it was coming on 5:30 AM and the birds were starting to chirp. Needless to say there were more than a few sore heads the next mornig.

Just about recovered after the night out. needless to say lectures on the Saturday morning were difficult

LOOKING FORWARD TO DOING IT ALL AGAIN NEXT YEAR!!

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Canteen Winter Ball - 2011

The days are getting shorter and there's a real chill in the air. Yes its Winter again but fear not it also means the Canteen Winter Ball is only around the corner. Each year Canteen hold a ball as a way of raising money and the groups profile. Last year was a great success with over two hundred attending the event in the Crowne Plaza, Santry. Fred Cook, a.k.a. "The guy from the Spar Add", was our highly entertaining MC and the fun didn't stop until the wee hours. This year Canteen is 21 years old so its going to be special. We're back in Santry again this year if you're intersted in attending and supporting a great cause please contact us through the Canteen link.

Getting Involved

A bit more about myself:

I'm 29 years old. I have a degree mechanical engineering and several years work experience. Unfortunately I recently have been affected by illness and am unable to go back to work. I've included a few links and brief description of charities I'm involved in.

Saint Vincent de Paul:            http://www.svp.ie/Home.aspx

St. Vincent de Paul (SVP) is a community based not for profit organization whose work primarily involves person-to-person contact with people who have a variety of needs. In addition to direct assistance, the SVP try to promote self-sufficiency, enabling people to help themselves.

Failte Isteach:                        http://www.thirdageireland.ie/what-we-do/15/failte-isteach€/

Failte Isteach first started in Summerhil Co. Meath in 2006 as part of the Third Age Project. It was initially set up to facilitate older people in the community tutor and mentor new migrants to the country with limited English but has now opened 45 centers with tutors and students of all ages and backgrounds

Canteen Ireland:                    http://www.canteen.ie/

CanTeen Ireland is a nation-wide support group for young people who have or have had cancer, and for their brothers, sisters and friends. Canteen would normally have about 5 weekends away and 6 Saturday day meetings a year. Members may also bring a friend or sibling with them.