Beggars faking disabilities ‘horrible act’

MEMBERS and staff of the Drogheda branch of the IWA have condemned recent reports of people begging in Drogheda who may fake disabilities.

Nicola McDonnell has worked as an administrator in the centre for two years and says she is shocked to think that someone could prey on people’s emotions by exaggerating or feigning a disability.’

“I’ve seen it with my own eyes – a woman getting out of a 161 jeep, holding a baby pretending to be a doll, and a man with crutches well able to walk,’ says Nicola, who has been in a wheelchair since an accident eight years ago.

“It is very disheartening to see, but I suppose that is the world we are living in.”

Centre manager Claire McLoughlin says it goes against the work they do in centres like the IWA.

“We are here to educate and promote accessibility for all and promote people with disabilities and it’s upsetting to see that on the streets,” she says.

“Of course we would show compassion for anyone who is in genuine need, but why would you want to fake that, when there are people who are really disabled who would give anything not to be.”

Meanwhile they invite anyone interested in attending the centre to come to an Open Day and Volunteers Appreciation Day on May 15th at 2pm.

New volunteers would be welcome to the centre, especially anyone with a D licence to drive a mini-bus.