Heart of the Lee
One of Cork’s oldest charities has made a few changes so it can continue to help those who are in need and struggling.
Cork Penny Dinners has temporarily moved its food service operations and additional facilities, around the corner from its existing premises on Little Hanover Street, to state of the art facilities at Croi na Laoí Catriona Twomey Wellness Centre, on James Street.
Croí na Laoí, which means heart of the Lee, boasts an extensive catering and food production and cold storage facilities, a wellness room, a training facility for up to 16 people with state of the art IT facilities, as well as a volunteer and staff room.
The temporary move is due to Little Hanover Street undergoing extensive refurbishment and in the future will reopen and once again serve those most in need in Cork.
As part of the future proofing, all facilities in Croí na Laoí have been designed to be energy efficient and an investment has been made in technology for stock control, training and other necessary IT facilities.
Gary Heslin, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees at Cork Penny Dinners, is heavily involved in supporting the future of Cork Penny Dinners. Gary was appointed to the Board of Trustees in 2014 and has continued to contribute to the organisation ever since: “Throughout the years, the charity has evolved into a vital community resource dedicated to addressing food poverty and homelessness and all of this would not be possible without the dedicated group of volunteers who give of their time so generously.”
He added: “There is a high level of responsibility of those involved in the charity - volunteers, staff and trustees - to ensure that everything that we do benefits the people that we serve and that funds raised by the generous people of Cork are invested wisely. Investing in infrastructure to improve our services is critical. I have no doubt that the investments already made in James Street and in the future in Little Handover Street will ensure that the great work of Cork Penny Dinners continues for generations to come.”
He continued: “With our new premises we can offer even more services, including training, health and wellness support, recovery meetings, mental health workshops, arts and drama classes all of which can provide vital stepping stones, for those who need it, out of homelessness, or into employment. Croí na Laoí is also the official home of the High Hopes Choir, which celebrated its 10th anniversary this year.”
Cork Penny Dinners Volunteer and Coordinator, Caitríona Twomey said: “At the heart of everything we do are the people in need that we serve, and having these additional facilities in Croí na Laoí demonstrates our commitment to servicing and supporting people in need now and into the future.
“While Little Hanover Street is closing for refurbishment, to everyone coming through our door we promise the same supportive and welcoming environment they would have experienced before, where a sense of community and belonging is offered to everyone. Sometimes a cup of tea, a handshake or a friendly chat can go a long way towards healing the loneliness and isolation that is a big issue for many that come our way. This dedication to the individual needs of the person is something that will never change.”