SVP South-West Reports 20% Surge in Calls for Help as Winter Crisis Deepens Across Cork
SVP South-West reports 20% rise in calls for help across Cork and Kerry as families struggle with cost-of-living pressures; Annual Car Draw 2025 now open.
St Vincent de Paul South-West has recorded a sharp 20% increase in calls for assistance across Cork and Kerry compared to this time last year, as families struggle under mounting cost-of-living pressures heading into winter.
The charity's Information Officers have already logged 11,000 calls in Cork this year, with a further 3,200 in Kerry. However, SVP warns the true level of need is substantially higher, as many people bypass the helpline to seek urgent support directly from local volunteers for food, heating and basic living costs.
With more than 80% of SVP South-West's annual fundraising concentrated between October and December, the organisation has launched its Annual Car Draw 2025 to generate essential funds during its busiest period.
Mary Frances Behan, Regional President of SVP South-West, said:
"The Car Draw is a lifeline for families and individuals across Cork and Kerry. With calls for help up 20% for the same period last year, we urgently need the public's help. Every ticket bought will make a difference.
Relentless cost-of-living pressures are taking a heavy toll on families across Cork and Kerry. We are hearing from people who are exhausted, anxious and overwhelmed, especially as Christmas draws closer; they just need a bit of help to get through."
The charity continues to hear daily from parents and individuals worried about heating their homes and managing spiralling costs.
"We are seeing families in despair and people from all walks of life contacting us who have never needed help before," Ms Behan said. "The cost-of-living crisis is continuing to stretch people to breaking point. Without public support, it will be extremely difficult for us to keep up with the level of need we are facing this winter."
Last year, SVP South-West supported 27,314 families and individuals with more than €5 million in direct assistance across Cork and Kerry. The organisation anticipates spending will rise significantly in 2025 due to escalating crisis calls and rising living costs.
The Annual Car Draw 2025 is now open, with tickets available online at €10 each, three for €25, or five for €40. The draw takes place on 14 January 2026, with first prize being a brand new Ford Focus, part-sponsored by Cork City Ford.
Tickets can be purchased at www.svp.ie/cardraw25, through SVP's social media platforms, or by scanning QR codes displayed in SVP charity shops across the region. Physical entries can be returned via Freepost or dropped off at Ozanam House, 2 Tuckey Street, Cork, or Unit 2 Monavalley Business Park, Tralee. The final entry date is 12:00 on 9 January 2026.
Additional prizes include a €2,500 holiday part-sponsored by Barter's Travelnet, an overnight stay at Fota Island Resort, two tickets to the All-Ireland Hurling Final with bed, breakfast and dinner, shopping vouchers worth €1,000, a €250 cash prize, and €1,500 sponsored by the Bishops of Cork and Ross, Cloyne and Kerry.
