Helping those in need
Shamrock Club holds fundraiser for Society of St. Vincent de Paul
The president of the Shamrock Club says a new fundraiser was such a success it will become an annual event.
Sheldon Saccary said club members are grateful for the public support that resulted in donations of non-perishable food items and Christmas gifts.
“It went well, response was pretty good,” Saccary said. “People from all over town were dropping by and dropping stuff off. ”
Saccary learned that shelves at the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, in both Reserve Mines and Dominion, were in need of replenishing.
Saccary said the club always donates to the two organizations but wanted to up the level of assistance so they placed an enclosed trailer in the club parking lot on Commercial Street for five days to collect donations. As well, the club hosted a masquerade dance with a donation for the trailer in lieu of a cover charge.
Sheila Nolan, president of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul at St. Joseph parish in Reserve Mines, said the society is grateful for the support.
“We’re a non-profit organization and people doing things like this is a major help.”
Nolan said the society doesn’t hold food drives and depends on donations of food and money to help those in need.
“This is a major help especially this time of year as it’s harder for people having to pay for oil and with Christmas coming,” she said.
“It’s very hard on so many people who are struggling to get by, many are just surviving.”
Jim Fogerty, president of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul in Dominion, said they provide grocery orders for families needing assistance on a regular basis and appreciate help at any time of the year but especially as Christmas nears.
“This is the kind of food that helps us out with our grocery orders,” he said.
Fogerty said the society looks after Gardiner Mines, Bridgeport and Dominion and gives out upwards of 30 orders at Christmas.
“We appreciate what the Shamrock Club did and the community getting involved like this as it really helps us out.”
The Shamrock Club works on various fundraisers for organizations and charities annually.