The SVP is always looking for new members to visit families, work in a hospital, prison or youth club, or in one of the SVP's 12 hostels for the homeless. We encounter a lot of racism and we would appreciate it if the Irish would understand our plight and help us to assimilate into Irish society. The network is looking for donations of toys and food for its children's Christmas party, also warm clothes. Volunteer teachers of English are also needed. Volunteers are needed to man the shops, and also for various projects such as reminiscence therapy in day-care centres.
Loneliness leads to depression, which leads to self-neglect.
It's very simple and rewarding to offer year-round companionship, calling in on an old person on a regular basis to enjoy their stories and reminiscences. The Irish Cancer Society would like to see people giving up smoking in the new year, says its spokesman Don Delaney. Smoking is responsible for 90 per cent of cases of lung cancer in Ireland, and one person dies of lung cancer every six hours. A special Christmas contribution to the cause of the ICS could be as simple as helping someone with their travel arrangements if they have to travel for radiotherapy, which is only available in Dublin or Cork. This special diary for the year 2000 features contributions from a variety of Irish writers and artists.