Mac Piarais

TWO VERY DIFFERENT WORLDS, ONE CITY💔 Tonight, as Dublin welcomed European leaders with helicopters overhead, Gardaí throughout the streets and enormous resources dedicated to security, another reality was unfolding outside the GPO. Eleven years later, Muslim Sisters of Éire is still setting up tables to feed hundreds of hungry and homeless people. Tonight, we distributed 400 meals, with six six-foot tables laden with food and essential supplies. The crowds were overwhelming. People were pushing, shoving and arguing, desperate to get something to eat. The cold was absolutely brutal. It cut through your face and hands like a knife. Among the crowds were elderly pensioners on Zimmer frames, people on crutches, children and families struggling to survive. One elderly woman, sitting on her walking frame, quietly asked our volunteer, "Could I please have another cup of tea? It's very cold tonight." We refilled her cup, placed a warm hat on her head and gloves on her hands, and watched her slowly walk away. Absolutely heartbreaking. Later, a young man collapsed. Gardaí and paramedics cared for him as he lay shaking on the freezing ground, waiting approximately 40 minutes for an ambulance. They asked us for a sleeping bag, hat and gloves to help keep him warm. If we can mobilise such extraordinary resources to welcome European leaders, why are we still feeding hundreds of hungry people on our streets eleven years later? Despite the bitter cold and difficult crowds, our incredible volunteers continued serving with smiles, patience and compassionate empathy. Because our soup run is about so much more than food. It's about dignity, kindness and humanity. The smiles when someone receives a hot cup of tea, a warm meal, a sleeping bag or a pair of gloves remind us why we continue. But charity should never have to replace responsibility. To every volunteer, donor and supporter, THANK YOU. Without you, none of this would be possible. We are blessed to provide this vital service, but heartbroken that the need remains so great. As another freezing winter approaches, please spare a thought for those who have no warm home or bed to return to tonight. Please donate if you can. msoe.ie/donate/Every contribution makes a difference❤️. May Allah protect those facing hardship and reward everyone who helps. Ameen🤲. Muslim Sisters of Éire #MuslimSistersOfÉire #MSOE #HomelessnessIreland #Dublin #SoupRun #CompassionateEmpathy #HumanDignity #WinterAppeal