Charities feel the pressure

The consistent generosity of the public

Sir, – I am writing in response to research published by the Charities Regulator saying that four in 10 people will donate less to charity this year due to the cost of living crisis (“As households tighten their belts, charities feel the pressure”, November 25th).

There no is doubt we are living in extraordinarily challenging times. Rising inflation and increases in the cost of goods and services mean that almost everyone is feeling a strain on their finances. Charities like Barnardos Ireland have also seen an increase in running costs from heating our centres to buying and cooking food for the children in our care each day. These increases come at a time when demand and waiting lists for our services are at an all time high. As a fundraiser, I remain reassured by the consistent generosity of the public. In a year where we have witnessed so much division, to see 82 per cent of people still expect to donate this Christmas is heartwarming. People in Ireland can see the need in the world is increasing. They want to be part of a solution and feel there is hope for them and the causes they care about. Charity begins at home, but it doesn’t need to end there. – Yours, etc,

MARY GAMBLE

Director of Fundraising,

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Marketing and

Communications,

Barnardos Ireland,

Dublin 8.