# Coronavirus puts pressure on charities’ fundraising

- Link: https://fundraising.co.uk/2020/03/17/coronavirus-puts-pressure-on-charities-fundraising/
- Published: 2020-03-17T20:18:00+00:00
- Author: Howard Lake

**The Wheel, the national association of charities in Ireland, is calling on members
of the public and the corporate sector to donate to charities that are working on
the front line to support and protect vulnerable people in communities during the
covid-19 crisis.**

Deirdre Garvey, CEO of [The Wheel](http://www.wheel.ie), which represents over 1,700
charities, community and voluntary organisations, and social enterprises countrywide,
said that a combination of surging demand and collapse of normal fundraising income
means that charities need public support right now to an unprecedented extent.

The Irish Cncer Society, which provides a wide range of supports to people with 
cancer and their families, **says it is down a projected €4 million having cancelled
Daffodil Day**.

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Pieta Hous, which supports mental health and anti-suicide measures, say they are
down up to €6 million due to the postponement of their Darkness to Light fundraising
event.

**Church gate collections have been suspended indefinitely**, leaving many local
charities and community groups without funds for services.

Many other charitable organisations, such as St. Vincent DePaul, foodbanks and rural
community groups will be providing support to those suffering immediate hardship
and poverty from unemployment because of covid-19.

Deirdre Garvey said: “Our charities and community groups will be facing unprecedented
demands to support people in these distressing times. The many others who are lucky
to have secure employment and income have an important opportunity to support others
by donating to organisations providing services in health and disability, meals 
on wheels, homelessness, carer supports, poverty relief and other crucial services.”

Ms Garvey said in the spirit of social solidarity, it is important for all of us
to rise to the developing challenges by supporting charities and community and voluntary
organisations in their vital work.

“Making donations, however big or small, to the many charities that are working 
to preserve health and social services, and maintain the very fabric of our society
at this time, is something that should be expected of those who can afford it,” 
she added.

Ms Garvey said those who can contribute financially should contact their charity
of choice and offer volunteer services or whatever other support the charity needs
to continue to work effectively. She also called on the government to put a comprehensive
plan in place to support the work of charities through this extremely difficult 
time.

Ireland’s national online volunteering database can be accessed by downloading the
i-Vol app to your smartphone or at [www.i-vol.ie](http://www.i-vol.ie).