WHAT WE DO
The Sacred Heart Benevolent Fund is a confidential support network of former pupils of the Sacred Heart and it was founded in the 1930’s. In the last year we have helped approximately 48 cases and paid out a little over €100,000.
The needs of those helped are varied and the age range is from 19 to 90! Some needed help with day to day living expenses following a death or business collapse; some needed help following a traumatic event in their lives and others just required once off help to get them over a particularly difficult period. We try to turn nobody down and indeed there are occasions when we would like to be in a position to give more.
Help is given in the strictest confidence and we have a social worker on our committee. Sr. Mary Shiel is our Sacred Heart Link.
Some ways we have supported past pupils:
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Support with continuing education
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Assistance with accommodation difficulties
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Practical help for families after business failure
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A helping hand for past pupils struggling to rear children alone
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Caring for elderly Sacred Heart past pupils on fixed incomes
FUNDRAISING
Fund raising is varied, Mini-marathon, Coffee Mornings, Bridge Drives, Gardening talks etc. Mount Anville School is very supportive and at least one of the fundraising events throughout the school year is held in aid of the Benevolent Fund. There is also a collection at the MAPPA annual dinner and the Sacred Heart Schools Golf Outing. We also are remembered by many Past Pupils in their Wills.
To generate enough funding to cover all the requests for assistance continuous fundraising is necessary all year round. The generosity of the many past pupils who support our fundraising events, contribute anonymously or by standing order is much appreciated and has ensured that no past pupil in need had to be turned away.
The Fund is a registered charity CHY 7614. Rosalie Crimmins is Chairperson. Luci O'Donohoe is Treasurer. Rhona OConnor is the Secretary. Our accounts are audited by an external, independent accountant. The Fund is run by a committee of former pupils and always includes a member of the Society who at present is Sister Mary Shiel .
You can contact us by email HERE - Please do not include any sensitive information in this email. We will reply to you with a personal contact..
Postal Donations to the Sacred Heart Benevolent Fund may be sent to Julie Hamilton in the Past Pupils’ Office, Mount Anville School, Dublin 14
Online Donations can be made here
WHAT THE THEY SAID
I have cleared many debts and have been able to stay warm without worry this winter and am so grateful for that too. Many of the important smaller things I worry about paying for, to do with health, have been met. Thank you so much.
2018
Thank you for your support I used to hold down 3 part time jobs which left me exausted and was not able to devote enough time to my studies. Your grant has allowed me spend more time studying. Thankfully I am progressing really well and am nearly qualified.
Medical Student
2018
I am a mother of 3 small children. My husband recently lost his job. One of my children has special needs and requires 24 hour care. The grant you made to us has taken the finantial worry from us and we could concentrate on keeping the family going while my husband searched for another position. Thankkfully he has a second interview with a great company and I am very hopefull he will be successfull. You have no idea the differeance you made to my family. Thank You.
Family
2018
The help received for the Benevolent Fund was a life changer, it took the pressure off my family and I want to thank all those who have helped to support us.
40 year old Past Pupil
2019
One elderly Past Pupil lives alone and has no family. We give her €20 per week for 3 lunches and some fruit –it is making a huge difference to her health and life style. One of us drops into her each week, brings some news and has a chat. This has brightened her life.
Brightened Day
2019
I have cleared many debts and have been able to stay warm without worry this winter and I am so grateful for that. Many of the important smaller things I worry about paying for, to do with health, have been met. I wanted to let you and Sister Dempsey know how your gift is being spent - and to say how much it means to me. Please convey my thanks to the donors.
60 year old Past Pupil
2019
The Benevolent Fund changed my life. I was so focused on surviving through tough times that I forgot the kindness of people, and that is what amazed me the most about the support I received. The financial assistance was incredible. To get through Christmas without worry was just amazing. So many times I cried with astonishment and gratitude when I received help. However, what I valued more than anything was the contact, especially from my Benevolent Fund case worker. Regular calls to see how I was - sometimes caught me on a bad day and just hearing “x“ voice and kind words lifted me. Thank you for bringing such kindness into my life and thanks to all the donors that have made this possible.
40 year old Past Pupil
2019