For over 25 years, the Rotary Club of Wexford has proudly supported families in need through our annual food hamper initiative, in partnership with Saint Vincent de Paul. This year was no exception, as Rotarians, volunteers, and local businesses came together once again to ensure that 120 families in Wexford received essential food hampers just in time for the holiday season.
A Community Effort
The success of this initiative is a true reflection of community spirit. Rotarian Maura Bell led the charge, dedicating three days to coordinating the event – from sourcing suppliers to organising volunteers for packing and delivering the hampers. Her dedication and leadership made this year’s effort seamless and impactful. Reflecting on the project, Maura said:
“It is heartwarming to see the entire community come together for such an important cause. The generosity and enthusiasm shown by our volunteers, schools, and local businesses make all the difference, and I’m proud to be part of this initiative.”
We were fortunate to have the generous support of local businesses that contributed greatly to the success of this project:
- Pettitt’s
- Glanbia
- Irish Pride
- Kersia
Additionally, we sourced fresh fruit from Paddy Reville’s and high-quality meats from Richie Doyle’s, ensuring that the hampers were packed with nutritious and essential food items.
Packing and Delivery
The hampers were carefully packed at St. Brigid’s Centre, and we extend our sincere thanks to Sean Kinsella for providing us with the space and facilities to carry out this work. Volunteers worked tirelessly to pack each hamper with care and precision, ensuring that every family would receive a thoughtful, well-prepared selection of food items.
We were delighted to receive tremendous support from local schools, with students from Loreto, Presentation School, and CBS lending a hand in packing the goods. Their energy and enthusiasm were invaluable in making the process smooth and efficient.
On delivery day, Rotarians came together to distribute the 120 hampers to families in Wexford town, as identified through our partnership with Saint Vincent de Paul. This collaboration has been a cornerstone of the project, allowing us to connect with those who need support the most.
A Message from Rotary President Maree Lyng
Each year, Rotary has a theme, and this year’s theme is The Magic of Rotary. Reflecting on the initiative, President Maree Lyng shared:
“I believe kindness is the real magic of life, and thank you to all sponsors, volunteers, and magical people out there – particularly Maura Bell and all the Bell family who continue to coordinate this wonderful support for people who need it.”
Gratitude to All Involved
A heartfelt thank you goes out to all the Rotarians, volunteers, local schools, and businesses who made this initiative possible. Your generosity, time, and dedication truly embody the spirit of Rotary – “Service Above Self.”
The Rotary Club of Wexford is deeply proud of this long-standing tradition and grateful to play a role in helping families in need. Together, we are stronger, and through initiatives like these, we continue to make a positive impact in our community.
Here’s to another successful year of giving back and supporting one another – and a huge thank you to everyone who helped make it happen!
