The St. Joseph's Conference of St. Vincent De Paul, Newry has been active for over 160 years with volunteers meeting on a weekly basis all year round to help the families of Newry in need. In 1918 the society played a significant role in helping the victims of the Spanish Flu and now fast forward over 100 years later, the society is playing another significant role throughout the Covid-19 pandemic. Due to the pandemic, the Conference has had to adapt to a new way of calling and visiting families but despite these challenging issues, the Conference has continued to ensure that those who seek help, receive assistance without delay.
Since the beginning of the pandemic from mid-March to 31st October, the Conference has had 485 requests for help. The help provided to these families and individuals over this period of 7 1/2 months has totalled to £6,510 worth of food vouchers, £12,200 in cash and 15,190 litres of oil. This is notably higher than any other year pre-Covid; there is great need in Newry during these difficult times. Therefore, the society need your help and support.
This year, Jack Murphy Jewellers have kindly partnered with the Conference for the month of December in support of the annual SVP Christmas Appeal. They are asking for donations of new, unwrapped toys for children aged 0 - 12, vouchers or jewellery for teenagers aged 13+ and food hampers or cash donations to be used at the discretion of the Conference.
If you would like to donate, you can leave any of the previous listed, into Jack Murphy Jewellers, 63/65 Hill Street, Newry or the SVP Drop-In Centre, 30 Mill Street, Newry every Thursday and Saturday between now and Christmas from 10am - 1pm. Your help is greatly appreciated. You can make a difference.