Charity keen to bloom with Rose appeal

A CHARITY is calling on members of the public to share the love this Valentine’s Day.

The Peter McVerry Trust will be selling roses as part of a Valentine’s Day Appeal to raise money for homeless and housing services in Dublin.

Chief executive of the Peter McVerry Trust, Pat Doyle, is hoping the appeal will help to raise awareness of the difficulties that many couples face because of homelessness.

“In recent times the number of couples who have found themselves in need of homeless services has grown,

? said Mr Doyle.

“For couples that experience homelessness, it can place a huge strain on relationships and homeless services can be a very difficult place to maintain a relationship.

“As part of our response to the growing numbers of people experiencing homelessness in Dublin, Peter McVerry Trust increased its capacity to support homeless couples with the opening of a new service just before Christmas.

“We are now working with a large number of couples in both our homeless and housing services.

“As part of this new appeal we will be making sure that the couples we work with receive a bouquet of roses on Valentine’s Day.

?

Mr Doyle paid tribute to the volunteer who originally came up with the idea.

“Last year our supporter Lara Nolan decided to sell roses on Valentine’s Day to help raise funds for our work,

? he added.

“This year Lara asked us to come on board and help grow the appeal and we hope to increase the funds going towards our frontline services.

?

Leinster and Ireland rugby star Cian Healy, from Clontarf, is backing the campaign.

The charity will be selling single roses, half bouquets, full bouquets and luxury bouquets. The roses can be ordered online at www.pmvtrust.ie/valentines-day-appeal or by calling the fundraising office on 01-8230776.