PRESIDENT MARY McAleese has urged those facing difficulties in their life to mark the beginning of the New Year with a renewed sense of optimism and self belief.
Speaking last night at an annual social event for homeless people in Dublin, Mrs McAleese asked everybody in attendance to block out negativity and make 2011 “a personally special year”.
“Stop and think about a time in your life when you had a dream. Make this year the time when you make your dreams reality and don’t let anybody put you down”.
About 300 people attended the event, known as ‘Eric’s Party’, which is organised annually by the Dublin Lions Club at the Irish Life Centre in the city centre.
The event has been running since 1962 and this year Irish musicians Mundy and Eleanor McEvoy provided the entertainment on the night, after patrons had a hot sit down meal and met with the President.
Guests for the event are invited from day centres run by religious, charitable and voluntary organisations who provide food and shelter on a daily basis for over 1,000 disadvantaged people in Dublin.
Mrs McAleese has been the guest of honour at the event for the last nine years and expressed her disappointment that her title will cease when her term as president finishes later this year.
Treasurer of the Dublin Lions Club Dave Marsh said that this year’s collection of food items from usual donators proved more difficult than in recent years as companies had less over-supply following the Christmas period.
Mr Marsh said attendance numbers had significantly decreased in comparison to last year despite organisers giving about 700 invitations to homeless shelters around the city.
“It has been difficult to get food donations from some companies and supermarkets this year because of cut backs and number crunching,” said Mr Marsh. “About 50 to 60 per cent of people at the event come every year.”
