A charity founder has launched a fundraiser as demand for his soup kitchen runs high.
Christopher O'Reilly founded the Liberty Soup Run alongside his uncle Fran Dempsey back in 2018. Christopher had previously struggled with alcohol addiction and wanted to give back to the local community following his recovery.
Homeless people usually relied on the group's food runs in the past, but Christopher explained that the demographics in need of assistance have changed during the current crisis. The number of families presenting at soup runs has proved alarming.
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Christopher explained: " It takes a lot to walk up to somebody and say what the issue is. There’s a big increase in families with young children and it’s so sad- people are often so ashamed to ask for help."
The fundraiser has a set target of €1000 as the charity struggles with low donations. Christopher explained that he often foots the bill for the charity's soup runs himself, but this tactic is becoming increasingly difficult.
The charity organises soup runs each week on Thomas Street and has also launched in Ballyfermot. Christopher said that increasing demand has led to some volunteers recognising their own neighbours amongst the soup run queues.
Christopher added: "We tend to give out hot food at the soup runs like curries and stews items. People are coming back for seconds since they're so hungry, it's horrible."
Liberty Soup Run also helps Dublin's homeless community, with the group currently appealing for more sleeping bags. Recent figures revealed that homelessness had hit a record high in Ireland, with almost 12,000 people in emergency accommodation as of March.
The group also welcomes donations of non-perishable foods, such as noodles and tins of soup. You can donate to Liberty Soup Run's fundraiser here.
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