This Lent give up a little time to help others, SVP urges

The SVP is encouraging people to make Lent extra meaningful this year by giving up a little of their time to help others during the Covid-19 pandemic.

It’s traditional for many to give up chocolate or some other luxury at Lent but, during the Covid-19 pandemic, the SVP asks that people to give up a little of their time to help ease someone’s suffering.

The SVP is calling on people to connect with neighbours who are in need – people who may be shielding or self-isolating, those whose incomes have been dramatically cut and are finding it hard to feed the family, or homeless people who may be living in hostels or on the streets – and give up a few hours a week to make a real difference to their lives.

“So many are suffering in every local community during the pandemic,” says SVP National President, Helen O’Shea. “You can look for those in need around you or, better still, join an organised volunteering charity like the SVP.”

Alternatively, for those determined to give up some luxury for Lent, the SVP suggests they make sure to set aside the money saved and donate it to charity.

The SVP’s call echoes Pope Francis’s message for Lent 2021 when he called on Catholics to care for those affected by the coronavirus crisis.

"To experience Lent with love means caring for those who suffer or feel abandoned and fearful because of the Covid-19 pandemic," Pope Francis wrote in his special Lenten message. “In our charity, may we speak words of reassurance and help others to realize that God loves them as sons and daughters," he wrote.