PA Duffy & Co Solicitors Marketing Manager Congratulated for His Ongoing Fundraising Commitment to the Most Vulnerable This Christmas

Before the pandemic, he encouraged big hearted GAA clubs across Co Antrim to spread seasonal cheer to some of the most vulnerable families through a shoebox appeal and trolley dash in aid of St Vincent de Paul. He is currently Antrim GAA Ulster delegate and has reignited his fundraising efforts for 2022.

Sean mobilised Gaels throughout the county to back the Saffron shoebox appeal which started in 2016 with the assistance of Sinead Steele, Saffron Aid Co-ordinator, enabling SVP to distribute thousands of gifts over the years.

“In the GAA we are justifiably proud of our sense of community and on that note we want to help the most vulnerable in our local areas”, said Sean.

“At this time of year, most of us don’t realise how lucky we really are, but for some people Christmas can be just another day trying to keep warm, get enough to eat or struggling to do the most basic of things like brushing their teeth or putting on a clean pair of socks. Now post Covid people are struggling and have to decide between heat and food.”

Sean said: "We added the Saffron trolley dash idea to our fundraising efforts and we are absolutely delighted at how the support for it grew with more and more clubs getting involved. And each year, Sinead really took this to another level. It was a fun way for Gaels across Antrim to come and make a difference for those in need. Clubs across the county are also involved in our wider #SaffronAid Christmas appeal and this year have encouraged donations in the form of vouchers to give families the gift of choice and empower them with the dignity to prioritise whether to buy gifts for under the tree, to put food on the table or to heat their homes.” 

Mary Waide, SVP Regional President for the North Region, said: “We have been overwhelmed by the generosity of Co Antrim GAA in supporting St Vincent de Paul’s Annual Appeal over the past number of years. I want to pay tribute to Sean Kelly finance & marketing manager at PA Duffy & Co Solicitors  as, without his enthusiasm, #SaffronAid would most certainly not be the huge success it is today. Fundraisers like Sean are invaluable to charities like SVP in helping us deliver assistance to those who need it most in the heart of our local communities.” 

SVP is an international charity and the largest voluntary charity in Ireland. SVP members in Northern Ireland work in all communities to support people whatever their background, who are experiencing poverty and social exclusion, promoting self-sufficiency and working for social justice. 

Every year SVP spends approximately £3 million to help those experiencing poverty in Northern Ireland. Last year, SVP responded to tens of thousands of calls for assistance from members of the public. 

If you would like more information about becoming a member of SVP, becoming a volunteer in Vincent’s or if you would like the Society’s help, please visit www.svp.ie, email [email protected] or telephone 028 9035 1561.