When we started out on our Gap Year, we felt we were so privileged to have the opportunity to do this type of trip that we would give something back by having a nominated charity on our blog. For us it had to be The Society of St. Vincent de Paul. We set ourselves a target of raising €2000 and so far we have raised €440. Now that we have reached our final goal perhaps you can help us reach our charity goal as well.

Adrian and Nuala in their SVP fundraising T-shirts in Berlin

Why did we choose SVP? People who know us well,  know that Nuala and I met at an SVP meeting. I have been a volunteer in SVP for 25 years and Nuala for over 20 years. To top it all, nine years ago Nuala got the opportunity to go and work for SVP on a full time basis as Communications and Information Manager for the Dublin Region (a job she loves). SVP were kind enough to give her unpaid leave of absence for this Gap Year.

Adrian and Nuala on Visit to SVP International in Paris earlier in Gap Year

So besides all the good reasons as to why someone should contribute money to SVP , it is the largest, voluntary, charitable organisation in Ireland. Its membership of 11,000 volunteers throughout the country are supported by professional staff, working for social justice and the creation of a more just, caring nation. We both have a very close personal connection to the charity.

A big thank you to Derek Mooney who got us started by giving the first donation when we went on his radio show in March and to all the other people who have donated since then. Who will get us over the finishing line?

To donate click on the SVP logo on the right hand side of the blog and follow the instructions.

Nuala when working last year at SVP Schools Day in Sunshine House