A Mayo company has made a €10,000 donation to three charities in an effort to keep the homeless warm this Christmas.
With recent figures showing that there are over 5,000 people in Ireland homeless at any one time, clothing company Portwest has announced that the Peter McVerry Trust, Focus Ireland and Cork Penny Dinners in Cork City will receive a donation of clothing valued at over €10,000 ahead of one of the country’s coldest winters.
The clothing will be distributed to those who use homeless services and a further monthly donation of the brand’s premium Heritage collection will also be supplied to Focus Ireland’s new charity store Beloved at Focus Ireland in Malahide over the next three months to raise funds raised for the charity.
“We’re saddened to hear that homelessness is rising across Ireland. We are passionate about supporting our local community and for many years have donated new clothing to local charities and will continue to do so. This year, we want to help more people across Ireland and ensure that those most in need have warm clothing ahead of what is a difficult time of year,” said Owen Hughes, Managing Director.
Anne Marie Connolly of Peter McVerry Trust said that 365 people are accommodated each night by the charity, with more than 3,500 people being supported through a range of services to date this year.
“We are very grateful to receive the generous donation of coats from Portwest. It’s an extremely useful gift and greatly helps us in our work offering assistance and support to those who are experiencing homelessness this winter,” she said.
Caitriona Twomey of Cork Penny Dinners said that the donation would make a huge different to those who were struggling at this time of year.
“We are delighted to accept this donation for Portwest. The jackets will provide warmth and much needed cover from the harsh weather to so many who are struggling. At Christmas, it is extra poignant in that they will add a bit of cheer to many. Keeping someone warm is equally as important as putting food in their bellies.”
PHOTO: Pictured are Anne Marie Connolly (Peter McVerry Trust), Martin Foran (Portwest) and Irish rugby legend Shane Byrne, who is lending a hand in the fight against homelessness with Irish company Portwest.
