Do the Right Thing! Charities Who Need Your Help during this Cold Snap

Yesterday we warned you of the terrible cold snap we are expecting this weekend. We hope you will all be ready with the fire logs, wrapped up in your snuggly onesie for the cold snap ahead, but please spare a thought for those who will spend this weekend without a warm home, a home they are terrified to go to, those who are living on their own or the scarily high numbers of animals who have been abandoned. Here are some of the charities who will need your help this weekend and ongoing throughout the year...

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1. Focus Ireland

Focus Ireland, who were set up in 1985, work tirelessly to prevent people becoming, remaining or returning to homelessness. It is the organisation's main belief that everyone is entitled to a place they can call home and every year they set about to try to house thousands of people or prevent them from ending up on the street. In the current economic climate their work is all the more important. You can help out in a variety of ways; making donations, taking part in an event, organising your own event or even rallying for some company fundraising.  

For more on Focus Ireland, see here

2. The Irish Red Cross

The Irish Red Cross is part of the global network for voluntary huminitarian action in the world. While they also work overseas, in Ireland they work in the community with the elderly and supply ambulance and rescue services amongst their many other campaigns. You can get involved in a variety of ways, by of course volunteering or working for the charity, but also by fundraising, donations, gifts and by recycling your unwanted clothes.

For more on ways to help out the Red Cross, see here

3. The Dublin Simon Community

Their first ever service as a charity was the Soup Run in Dublin and this still runs in 365 days a year throughout the capital. The Community provides an invaluable point of contact with those on the streets, often becoming an only point of contact of people who are the subject of searches. The Dublin Simon Community also provides an Emergency Shelter, detox, rehab and aftercare. The charity depends massively on their volunteers and you can volunteer part time on their soup runs, or alternatively donate, including old clothes to their shops or various fundraising events.

To find out about their soup run and other ways to help, click here

4. St Vincent de Paul

The largest provider for emergency accommodation in Ireland, St Vincent de Paul have centres and services from Cork to Letterkenny. They are also providers of Social Housing Projects and Resource Centres throughout the country for eduction, childcare and community-based recreation. SVP also stand for the protection of Children and vulnerable in society, which also includes visitations to those who may be isolated, particularly in bad weather. You can help SVP in the usual ways, fundraising, donations or you can volunteer with the society. Do try to call into an elderly neighbour this weekend and make sure they are ok, even to have a chat and a cup of tea!

For more information on the St. Vincent de Paul, please visit their website

5. The ISPCA

The Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals help to rescue, treat and responsibly rehome animals of all different species and work tirelessly to promote animal welfare. They are affiliated with Member Societies throughout the country also so you can help with a charity that's in your own locality. If you are a pet lover you could adopt a pet or even help with fostering, or help out at the National Centre with the animals. An alternative to donation would also be running for the Mini Marathon for a particular charity, a gift the DSPCA would greatly appreciate. Please be sure to always report animal cruelty!

For ways to help and volunteering, please visit their website