Crosscare is the social care agency of the Archdiocese in Dublin and has been helping people who are poor and socially excluded in Dublin for nearly 70 years.  Among its services, the charity runs three hot food centres in the city which concentrate on serving meals to people who are isolated, elderly or homeless in their own communities.  However, in the past six months, families have begun calling regularly at these centres looking for basic foodstuffs such as bread, tea and milk.

“People who are poor are suffering the most in this recession” says Conor Hickey director of Crosscare, “This recession is hurting a lot of people but it is those who are poor who are feeling the effects the most. Clearly, we are now dealing with more and more people who until now were able to provide for their families.”

Launching Crosscare’s Annual appeal which will take place at all masses this weekend the Archbishop of Dublin Dr. Diarmuid Martin asked all people in the Diocese to give generously to Sunday’s collection.  He said “it is not just important that those in most need get the help they need on a daily basis, but that they do not become long term victims of the current recession”.

Conor Hickey said that demand for help has increased rapidly in Dublin over the past six months. “It is upsetting to see families calling to the food centres looking for food parcels. Our other services are also seeing an increased demand for support by those affected by this current recession. Along with increasing demand on services, cuts in state funding are adding to the pressure “These people who are now in need are going to seek help from services that are already overstretched and under funded.

Mr. Hickey said “Crosscare is determined that no one who needs help will be turned away. However, it is becoming much more difficult as funding cuts are put in place.  For this reason our annual appeal is more important now than it has ever been. We really do depend on the generosity of the public to keep our services going”.

Crosscare’s collection will take place at all masses across the Dublin Diocese this weekend.

Contact: Michael Mc Donagh: Crosscare 087- 6710442
www.crosscare.ie
dublindiocese.ie