The Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SVP) is urging people all over Ireland to support the fifth Macra Na Feirme ‘Know Your Neighbour’ Weekend which takes place on 24th-25th July.

“This Macra initiative sponsored by ESB Customer Supply should be fully supported by every sector in the community”, said SVP National President, Mairead Bushnell. “ All of the 9,500 SVP volunteers who are involved in every community, week in and week out, know and appreciate the value of such an initiative to bring attention to the importance of good neighbours.”, she said.

“The SVP is experiencing a large increase in requests for assistance and its volunteers are responding to the increasing needs that are presenting themselves in communities across Ireland” said Mairead Bushnell.
“Clearly in the current economic climate with more people feeling under pressure, good neighbours can be a strong support to each other. If you don’t know your neighbours this is a good opportunity to get to know them.” she said.

A list of suggested activities and events that people can organise as part of the “Know Your Neighbour” weekend is contained in an organiser's pack which can be obtained from
•   www.knowyourneighbour.ie
•   E-mail: info@knowyourneighbour.ie
•   Text: KYN followed by a space and their name and address to 51444.
•   Call the Macra na Feirme office on 01 4268910

Note for editors:
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul is the largest, voluntary, charitable organisation in Ireland. Its membership of 9,500 volunteers throughout the country is supported by professional staff working for social justice and the creation of a more just, caring nation. This unique network of social concern also gives practical support to those experiencing poverty and social exclusion, by providing a wide range of services to people in need.