Colm Mac an Bháird

🚨New Bylaws Threaten Well-Meaning Soup Runs Across the Country Earlier this week, we were contacted by a reporter for RTE News and The Dublin Enquirer regarding the proposed new bylaws for soup runs. Today, we received confirmation that these bylaws will not outright ban soup runs but will introduce measures intended to create a “safe environment” for both operators and users. In practice, this means all soup runs will require a permit, designated locations will be assigned, operating hours will be dictated, and additional restrictions will apply. Unfortunately, these changes are likely to force nearly all soup runs in Dublin to shut down, as many unregistered charities will be unable to meet the requirements to even apply for a permit. While we are a registered and well-established charity, the restrictions imposed by these new bylaws will make it significantly harder for us to continue our work. Despite these challenges, tonight we provided over 350 hot meals. We were well-prepared for the cold snap, distributing 60 pairs of hats and gloves, 12 tents, and 50 sleeping bags. We also provided essential clothing, including runners, trousers, and jumpers. In addition, we handed out fresh fruit and vegetables, tea and coffee, bread, pastries, yogurts, and other necessities. As always, we are deeply grateful for your support. Your generosity enables us to help so many people each week and we hope that we can continue. ♥️ Just €3 provides one hot meal. Please consider donating 🔗 msoe.ie/donate/

Tonight, we truly felt the arrival of winter. The cold has set in, and with it comes the urgent need for warm hats, gloves, scarves, heavy-duty tents, and hygiene kits. We saw families seeking winter essentials for their children, as well as elderly people and many others trying to finding shelter. We recently launched our Bags for Life campaign, which you can read more about by scrolling down. Our goal is to distribute 200 bags on Christmas Eve, each filled with essential items like hats, gloves, scarves, a hygiene kit, glucose and protein packs, a survival blanket, a pop-up tent, and a sleeping bag. These bags can mean the difference between life and death for those forced to sleep on the streets during the harsh winter. We’ve been running this campaign for nearly 8 years, and it continues to make a critical impact. Tonight, we served nearly 400 hot meals. Five six-foot tables—30 feet in total—were loaded with fresh food and treats, enough to ensure everyone who came to us got a hot meal. We started at 6:45 p.m., and by 8:30 p.m., we had given out every meal. We’re incredibly grateful that tonight, everyone in need was able to receive a hot dinner. Each person left with two or three bags full of food, and we feel truly blessed to be able to provide this support. Each meal costs us just €3 from a restaurant. If you’d like to sponsor a meal, please visit our website, where you’ll find several donation options. You can also help by supporting our Bags for Life campaign—whether by sponsoring hats, gloves and scarves, or sleeping bags, every contribution makes a difference. We can’t thank you enough for your continued support. None of this would be possible without your generosity. Link to donate: msoe.ie/donate/