WLR Christmas Appeal for St. Vincent de Paul Raises Over €105,000

The 2024 WLR Christmas Appeal for St. Vincent de Paul has concluded another successful year, demonstrating the incredible generosity and spirit of the community that thrives in Waterford City and County.

Thanks to a wide array of community events and the steadfast support of listeners, local businesses, and corporate sponsors, the appeal raised over €105,000. These funds will go directly to St. Vincent de Paul, providing vital assistance to those in need this Christmas and beyond.

Throughout December, WLR listeners came together in support of the campaign, participating in various activities that helped make the appeal a success. Highlights included the Mark White Fitness Bootcamp Challenge, Liberty Blue’s Coffee Morning at The Waterford Marina Hotel, the Tirlan Farm Auction, and the ever-popular Wear Red Day. School collections, including those from Waterford Educate Together, also played a significant role in rallying the community.

Lorraine Dunne, speaking on behalf of WLR and the organising committee, expressed her heartfelt thanks: "We are deeply grateful for the overwhelming response from our community, businesses, and sponsors. The funds raised will make a meaningful difference in the lives of those in need this Christmas. This campaign truly demonstrates the power of collective effort—from events like Wear Red Day in Kilmacthomas to the school collections at the Christmas concerts. It’s inspiring to see the whole county come together to make such a difference."

In addition to these events, three Christmas Community Concerts held in Waterford, Dungarvan, and Tramore further added to the fundraising efforts. These festive concerts, featuring local performers and musicians, provided an opportunity for families to come together, and contribute to a worthy cause.

"We are deeply grateful to WLR and the entire Waterford community for their incredible support this Christmas. The funds raised through this year's appeal will have a significant impact on the lives of those who are struggling, providing much-needed assistance during what can be a challenging time for many. Your generosity makes a real difference, and we thank everyone who contributed." — David O'Neill, St. Vincent de Paul.

Corporate sponsors and local businesses were also integral to this year's success, with significant contributions from Bausch & Lomb, Dawn Pork & Bacon, WEST, The Port of Waterford, CTS Group, T&T Coaches, Jigsaw, Bonmahon Joinery, Kilmacthomas Community, and Flahavan's, among many others. Local clubs, including St. Paul’s Boxing Club and Waterford GAA, also showed their incredible generosity with substantial donations, further amplifying the appeal's reach and impact.

WLR CEO Michael Byrne also shared his appreciation:"A huge thank you to our listeners, sponsors, and corporate partners, whose generosity has helped raise over €105,000 for this wonderful cause. Your support is making a real difference to the lives of many people this Christmas."

The success of the 2024 WLR Christmas Appeal highlights the strength of community spirit in Waterford. From individual donations to corporate sponsorships, every contribution has played a part in supporting St. Vincent de Paul, an organisation dedicated to alleviating poverty and providing essential support during the festive season.