Christmas dinner to be provided for the homeless in Athlone
An Athlone woman has hailed the “huge response” to her campaign to provide Christmas dinner for the homeless on December 25 in St Kieran's Community Centre. Since she mooted the plan several weeks ago, Lisa Malone has been bowled over by the offers of help, donations and assistance from local people.
“It's going ahead on Christmas Day. I'd say we'll have about 15 people coming along,” Lisa said. “There has been a huge response – loads of people want to help out – it's brilliant to see.”
Following a public meeting, a committee has been set up and, as well as the Christmas dinner event, they hope to keep the voluntary spirit going by providing parcels or hampers to struggling families over the festive season and set up a soup run for the homeless after Christmas.
The group has been in touch with Midlands Simon and gone on walkabouts in the Athlone area in a bid to get in touch with those sleeping rough locally. She said it's very sad that people are in this situation, and this is a small thing they can do for them on Christmas Day.
“Everyone deserves a roof over their head, a home of their own,” said Lisa, who was recently named Westmeath Carer of the Year. She is a full-time carer for her son Conor (23), who suffers from the rare genetic disorder, Edhlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), and said previously that she “wanted to give something back” in return for the generosity of people in donating funds for her son to undergo live-saving surgery in Spain which has resulted in huge improvements for him. She also cares for her elderly father.
Another public meeting takes place (today) Wednesday, November 30 at 7pm in St Kieran's Community Centre for anyone interested in helping out or donating to the effort.
“Big thanks to St Kieran's Community Centre, without their input and help, the Christmas dinner wouldn't be possible,” said Lisa. “Big shout out to Mona Joyce and Georgina O'Connor for all their help.”
Anyone who wants to assist, donate or is struggling or knows of someone who would benefit from a hamper this Christmas should contact Lisa in the strictest of confidence, on 087 1440833 or Ashling O'Kane.