Support from local community keeps St Clare’s kitchen open
Volunteers Ann Fenlon, Jane Lacey, Ann Glynn, Iryna Hiris, Bríd Brett and Kathleen Tallon preparing food for patrons of St Clare's Hospitality Kitchen Photo: michaelorourkephotography.ie
ST CLARE’S Hospitality Kitchen in Graiguecullen has extended a heartfelt thanks to the local community for their “incredible support”, describing the generosity shown as a “lifeline”.
There was an outpouring of support following an urgent appeal for donations, enabling the charitable facility to continue serving hot meals for the next six months.
Last month, reported that the kitchen faced closure within eight weeks due to increased demand and limited resources. The service has been a lifeline for many local families for almost a decade, currently providing anywhere between 100 and 150 hot meals daily, free of charge.
Expressing his gratitude, director Fr John Dunphy stated: “This was the most important public appeal in almost ten years. The cost-of-living crisis and global events significantly increased the demand for our services, causing our costs to surge and nearly doubling the number of families needing food.” He described the recent surge in support as “extraordinary”, but stressed that the challenges faced are “ongoing”.
“We need to keep this going. The rising cost of living and increased demand for our services mean that we must remain vigilant and proactive. St Clare’s Hospitality Kitchen is also making every effort to reduce costs while maintaining our high standards of meals provided,” he said.
One daily visitor told that every meal helps make savings to a very tight budget.
“I’m very grateful because I can use the money somewhere else. The interactions with other people I get here are so helpful to me. It’s a really nice atmosphere and it really helps people. The food is always good,” they added.
Another client said: “I love coming up here. I wouldn’t have a hot dinner every day otherwise – maybe only two days a week. This has helped me big time.” Founding member Isobel Brooker said the mission has always been to make a positive difference.
“We want to continue to do good work. I think it’s important to tell people that some people in Carlow are going to bed hungry and we must never forget that,” she said.
An iDonate fundraiser has raised over €10,000 to date and the charity says every single euro makes a difference and is greatly appreciated.
Anyone wishing to make a monetary contribution can do so with the following details: St Clare’s Hospitality Food Kitchen Ltd – BIC BOFIIE2D IBAN IE65 BOFI 90653169373569.
