SAINT VINCENT DE Paul (SVP) has said there’s been an increase in the number of people seeking help ahead of Christmas this year – with both middle income and low income families struggling to meet their basic needs.

At the launch of their annual Christmas appeal today, the charity said it expects to receive more than 250,000 calls for help this year. At the end of October, the number of calls for help were up 7% on last year.

SVP supports families across Ireland in different ways, including providing food vouchers, grocery and utility bills support and seasonal help such as at Christmas time.

The charity said that despite Budget 2026 providing “some welcome measures”, rising costs mean many households still cannot afford the basics.

Speaking at the launch today SVP National President Teresa Ryan said: “The government have taken some measures, but we would consider they’re not sufficient enough.”

“Poverty is there. People are suffering, and how to address poverty is one thing that I think maybe the government hadn’t really addressed.”

Describing the cost of living crisis as “phenomenal”, Ryan said that families, no matter how frugal, don’t have the basics they need to live – including those on middle income.

She emphasised the importance of once-off payments – something which wasn’t a feature of Budget 2026.

“Sometimes it might be once off support to get them out of the poverty line,” she said, adding that many families are struggling to pay bills and loans which have accrued over time.

Broadcasters Marty Whelan and Mary Kennedy were at SVP head offices in Dublin today to officially launch the appeal – which is seeking donations to help provide families with food, heating and toys this December.

‘Real difference’

There were also performances from the Dublin Gospel Choir and Malachi Cush.

Speaking at the event Marty Whelan encouraged the public to donate to SVP to make a “real difference”.

“It isn’t always about the toy. It isn’t always about the dinner. It’s also about the emotional moments that come when support is given, where somebody turned up because they cared enough to turn up at your door,” he said.

Mary Kennedy described the charity’s services as a “lifeline for a lot of people”.

She said she has been involved with the charity her whole life as her father and uncle were dedicated volunteers.

“There are really sad homes that you can go into, but when the knock comes on the door it just sparks a little light, particularly with children. There are children living in very, very difficult situations,” she said.

To find out how to donate to SVP, take a look at their website.