"Spare a thought and prayer for our brothers and sisters overseas who are scrambling desperately to survive in the face of so much relentless adversity," says WMI director Fr Michael O'Sullivan.

2019 was the year in which the number of registered charities passed ten thousand. Over half (53 per cent) of them, are in the ‘benefit to the community’ category and the next biggest grouping is ‘advancement of education’ while relief of poverty or economic hardship makes up 8.7 per cent.

As the island battles this pandemic, standing alongside other denominations and Christian organisations, we are today issuing a call to pray — Ireland's church leaders.

Charities provide approximately one-quarter of acute hospital services and approximately two-thirds of services to people with disabilities, so they are an integral part of the overall system.

The “hidden homeless” are people who often don’t have the option to declare themselves officially homeless and to put themselves on the local authority emergency accommodation list.

Survey reveals that one third (34%) of charities have reported a drop in income, while more than two thirds (71%) have seen an increase in demand for services.

“With the adverse effect on trade, people’s income and ability to donate could be negatively impacted, which raises concerns for fundraisers.”

This is the fifteenth year that the appeal has been held and in that time over €500,000 has been raised for local good causes.

Up to 42% of charities experienced a fall in their income over the past year while 72% reported that demand for their services increased over the same period.

Survey shows 33% of charities had to cut back or suspend services in the past year due to a lack of funding, while over 42% reported a drop in income.

Donations of non-perishable food sought to restock food bank for those most need this Christmas and into 2015.

Archbishop says having clear norms and common reporting standards which act as benchmarks will be of great help to entire charity sector.

“This is a watershed moment for transparency for charities in Ireland," Ivan Cooper, Director of Advocacy at The Wheel.

Charities urge Government to develop and implement a plan for sustainable public services.

Lotto winner will give money to charities and start foundation supporting the performing arts.

61% of charities affected by negative publicity around CRC and Rehab.

64% of 230 charities experienced a decline in income in first half of the year.