The food bill to feed homeless people using the services of a prominent Dublin charity has soared to almost €50,000 a month, it was disclosed today.
Staff at the Capuchin Day Centre said they were serving approximately 600 meals each day, plus packing up to 1,100 food parcels a week.
Volunteer Paddy Pender — who will take part in a charity walk for the cause on Sunday — said the
figures were alarming. "It's hard to believe that the proceeds from the walk will only cover the food bill for a week or so," she said.
"What is important though is that people grow in awareness about the problem of homelessness and
maybe when they reach out to help us, it will be another step towards helping those who have hit on hard times."
A small group of supporters will walk from Glendalough to Dublin to raise awareness of the plight of
homeless people during the recession and funds for the centre.
As they make their way over the Dublin Hills, they will rely on the kindness of those they meet along the route for drinks and snacks.
Ms Pender continued: "Glendalough is a well known home of Irish spirituality and the route over
Glenmacnass because its barrenness highlights the barrenness of the life a homeless person
experiences."
"Even on a warm day, this route to Dublin is very exposed to all kinds of weather conditions - cold, rain and strong winds.
"Despite this, many of our homeless friends find they have to 'sleep rough' in these hills." The group will leave Glendalough Hermitage at 8am and arrive at Capuchin Friary in Church Street, Dublin, at 7pm for a Gospel Mass.
PA