Community is urged to help city homeless

Community is urged to help city homeless

25 November 2015

A DOWN Recorder photographer is hoping to add a little comfort to Ireland’s homeless community this Christmas through a heartfelt festive appeal.

Raphael Mason is appealing for donations of new clothes for the DePaul charity, which helps homeless people across Ireland.

This is the second year of his appeal, which he launched last year following a trip to Dublin.

As he walked the city’s streets, Raphael was shocked by the number of homeless people he passed and was particularly concerned to see an elderly man living under the bridge opposite Pearse Street train station.

Raphael said he instinctively stopped because there were a number of pigeons sitting on the man as he passed.

Camera in hand, as usual, Raphael introduced himself to the man, who was called Martin, and enjoyed a friendly chat before asking if could take his photograph.

This photograph has become central to Raphael’s appeal and following its posting on social media last year he was stunned by the response to his appeal to help Martin and others like him.

A total of 600 items of clothing was donated in less than three weeks, and a week before Christmas he travelled to Dublin with his wife Martina and son Karl to deliver the items to DePaul. While he was there he paid another visit to see Martin.

“It was bitterly cold and the temperature in Dublin the previous night did not rise above -3,” recalls Raphael.

“As we approached the bridge at Pearse Street we wondered what state Martin would be in after a night sleeping in freezing temperatures. 

“We saw a large black piece of tarpaulin and I headed over to see if he was there.

“After calling his name a couple of times a hand made its way out of the bag, followed by his face, and he squinted to see who it was that was looking for him. 

“I handed him over some of the items that people had been so generous to donate and shook his hand, which was as warm as toast. He wished us a Happy Christmas and thanked us from the bottom of his heart.”

Raphael said the gratitude of the DePaul charity and the widespread public support for his campaign has encouraged him to collect for the homeless once again this year.

“As with last year I am collecting new clothes and accessories, such as thermal leggings, vests, underwear, jumpers, hoodies, coats, socks, tights, gloves, scarves, hats, as well as toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap.,” he said.

“I am collecting new items only as I feel at Christmas time especially it is nice to be able to receive something which has never been owned by anyone else.

“The charity is also looking for sleeping bags, ruck sacks, etc. It would also be good to receive more items for females this year.”

Raphael said he is glad to have met Martin, who he said has inspired his charity collection.

“Had I walked down another street in Dublin last year I would never have met Martin and most definitely would not have thought about collecting for the homeless,” he said.

“Thankfully I had my camera with me to record the plight of an elderly homeless man living on the streets of modern-day Ireland. “

This year the items collected will be shared between DePaul’s offices in Dublin and Belfast. Items can also be ped into the Down Recorder office at Church Street, Downpatrick.

Raphael can be contacted on 07762 626291 or at raphaelmason14@gmail.com if you would like to contribute.