By Katie Ascough - 28 December, 2019
Archbishop Diarmuid Martin visiting one of Dublin’s Crosscare foodbanks.
St Mary’s Pro Cathedral in Dublin is welcoming all unwanted Christmas gifts. Instead of regifting or exchanging an ill-suited present, the public is invited to help the capital’s homeless by forwarding their unwanted presents to Crosscare, one of Dublin’s busiest homeless charities. Crosscare will then give those items to people in need including families and young people living with very little, as well as to the homeless.
Last year, donated gifts were given to families who spent time in Crosscare’s Family Hub in Drumcondra when they were moving on to new accommodation. This provided these families with some extra luxury items to help decorate their new homes. Gifts were also given to individuals in Crosscare’s homeless services who would otherwise not have received a birthday present or treat that year.
Pro Cathedral staff are asking the public to exclude any food or perishable items in their donations and request that items be handed in to the church at the following dates and times: Saturday 28 December before or after 10.30 a.m. or 6 p.m. Mass; Sunday 29 December before or after 9.30 a.m., 11 a.m. or 6 p.m. Mass; or Monday 30 or Tuesday 31 December from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with Mass at 10.30 a.m.
According to their website, Crosscare was established in 1941 and is the Social Support Agency of the Catholic Archdiocese of Dublin. The organisation continues to play a significant role in the provision of services to people affected by poverty in the Dublin area. They currently employ over 500 staff with more than 1,500 of volunteers in locations throughout the greater Dublin area and Wicklow.
