Warnings in relation to local ‘homeless’ collections
THE president of the Drogheda Chamber has advised Christmas shoppers to make themselves aware of ‘ homeless charity’ collectors on the streets of the town in the run up to Christmas.
‘We have some great charities in this town who need our support,’ Paddy Callaghan stated this week.
But in the last few days he has ‘challenged’ a number of outside collectors who have appeared on the streets, with people presuming they are collecting for local causes.
‘If someone is looking for money then it’s OK to ask them about their collection and to show you a permit.
‘If people are bone fide, then they won’t have a problem doing that.’
He says some ‘ tourist collectors’ see the town as a ‘soft touch’ and as a result, local agencies, who do great work, are losing out.
‘It does make my blood boil. I would just ask people to be cautious when making donations,’ he explained.
The chamber recently presented Homeless Aid with €3,143 and Paddy took part in their sleepout.
‘ They deserve our support,’ he added.