Cork Penny Dinners initiative rolls on
THE Cork Penny Dinners Parish to Parish project which began in Kilbrin continues to gain momentum as each Parish in North Cork steps up to the plate. Banteer followed Kilbrin and last week Meelin was the venue for the initiative.
Cathy Forrest, who with a band of volunteers co-ordinated the event, said that people were dropping in goods and donations throughout the morning. “The great generosity of our Parishioners was amazing, the variety and amount of goods was so welcome and we thank everyone for their kindness,” Cathy said. She also paid tribute to Margaret O’Callaghan for setting up the Penny Dinners Parish Drive.
Cork Penny Dinners is a warm dry place in the heart of Cork City with a welcoming atmosphere. The premises is open seven days a week all year round, No questions are asked, no judgements are made. All services are free of charge to those that need them and friendly volunteers ensure that service users are well looked after on a daily basis.
Cork Penny Dinners is currently serving up to 2,000 freshly made meals per week compared to approximately 150 or less per week prior to the current crisis. Sometimes a cup of tea, a handshake or a friendly chat can go a long way towards defeating the loneliness and isolation that is a big issue for many who visit the centre. Food packages are also distributed.
There has also been a huge increase in homelessness and mental health issues that are affecting so many people which have forced them to avail of services. Volunteers, meanwhile, come from all walks of life and many different nationalities, but what they all have in common is empathy and a willingness to offer a hand.
Service users and volunteers at Cork Penny Dinners interact with humour and mutual respect, with all work done on a voluntary basis. The organisation, a Charitable Trust, will shortly expand its services thanks to the phenomenal generosity of fundraisers from Cork and beyond. In the near future there will be a state-of-the-art facility offering boundless educational opportunities. The centre will be operational in approximately three months and will also provide medical care.
Located in James Street, the building will house a clinic operated by approximately 52 doctors. This service will be operated on a rotating and voluntary basis by local GPs.
Music is also on the agenda and a full music programme run by voluntary tutors will pave the way for the Cork Penny Dinners Orchestra. The idea behind this is to foster social interactions while cultivating new skills. Classes in sewing, cooking and repairs will also be on offer.
CPD Volunteer Coordinator, Caitriona Twomey said the estimated cost of the project is in the region of €800,000. “We hope the centre will be a ‘ one stop shop’ to enhance existing services available for those experiencing financial difficulties. All services will be provided free of charge”. “Our main objective is to help people achieve their dreams,” Caitriona added. “Over time this initiative will evolve and there are so many possibilities to look forward to. Service users will have the option of free counselling sessions. The centre will act as a haven for abuse survivors who, with professional support, can strive for solace and healing” Caitriona said.
“We are hugely grateful to everyone who is organising and supporting the Parish to Parish project,” she added. The Penny Dinners collection with be held in Ballydesmond on this Sunday July 5.