The Society of St Vincent de Paul has revealed that calls for help during the last 12 months in Cork increased by 20% to 16,500.
The revelation comes as SVP issues their own appeal for help as they are urgently looking for new volunteers in Cork for a range of roles.
SVP say whilst the organisation has been overwhelmed with the generosity and financial support from the public over the past three years, the restrictions associated with Covid has taken its toll on membership numbers and SVP is now seeking to rebuild its volunteer base in the Cork city area.
The Society has volunteer roles in a wide number of areas and welcomes people of all ages and genders and they would also welcome volunteers who do not speak English or Irish as their first language to help their work with some of Cork's newest residents.
Speaking to RedFM News Kate Durrant, who volunteers within the food conference she founded seven years ago which fed over 2500 families this Christmas says it's heartbreaking to see people struggle.
"We've never seen a need like this. It's a perfect storm between the pandemic and the cost of living crisis that we're going into, and the worry about the future - mortgages are increasing, fuel is increasing.
"In the greater Cork area calls to our regional office increased by 20%, and within that we would have looked after 1,400 families a month.
"In the run up to Christmas, which is such a stressful time for people as opposed to being a happy time for so many families, we would have looked after up to 5,000 families."
If you would like to help you can click on svpcork.ie or attend an open evening at UCC next Monday evening at the Aula Maxima at 7.30pm.
