EXTRACTS FROM SELECTED LETTERS OF THANKS FROM BENEFICIARIES
Elderly member who suffered a long term illness
Since 1988 the Benevolent Association have assisted me and my family in dealing with the consequences of my illness. My family have been supported and sustained. My children have been fully educated. Our handicapped son has been well provided for. Please convey my sincere thanks to the members of the Benevolent Association for the support, kindness and painstaking care in assisting me over the years.
Woman separated in her sixties – no longer needing the monthly grant.
Some good news at last. I have gone back to work part-time. So at long last I have put my life in order. I wish to thank the Association for their help and kindness over the last few years. The monthly grant I received from the fund really made a great difference to my life. Once again thank you very much for everything.
CA in practice now with much improved circumstances who paid off a Benevolent Association loan
Please forward my thanks to all in the Benevolent Association for their help. My circumstances have improved since then, in no little way due to the support I received when it mattered most.
Married man with three primary school going children - suffered a stroke and unable to work
Life continues to be a struggle as I am grappling with the effects of the stroke on my arm, leg and cognitive abilities, in addition to this I have recently been informed that I have a tumour requiring brain surgery. Treatment is continuing for my rare blood condition which apparently caused the stroke. ……. is being treated for depression.
Your monthly grants have proven to be of tremendous assistance in arresting the downward spiral into debt. …….. there was Christmas followed by our first boy’s confirmation and the First Holy Communion of our eight year old girl …..the gate at the side of the house collapsed. Now recently we have the back to school costs including books, uniforms, shoes etc. ……the Social Welfare goes entirely for food etc. I retain nothing as I do not spend money at all, never visiting restaurants or pubs; nor do I buy a newspaper as I simply do not have the money for same. My hobby is music and I attend concerts only when admission is free. We very much hope you will continue your kind support
Married man suffering from depression
Every month (the grant) is an answer to a prayer. It arrives and solves a problem. We are more grateful than words can easily express. It has been a tough last quarter. I have struggled with the black dog a lot and every time I think I have got my feet back under me, another wave seems to hit. But we are still going forward a little most months and at worst holding our own.
Going for a walk along the beach on a Wednesday evening, at dinner-time because there is nothing to buy dinner with, is a haunting experience, and also a very forgettable one.
Family with 3 children, 2 with autism, on receiving a summer grant
A belated thank you for the cheque we received at the beginning of the summer. We purchased a new computer and a keyboard for our two autistic sons, and our daughter went to a ballet camp. Thank you for all your support over the past nine years. We were able to give the children extra special memories. Also through your funding I was able to get educated in autism and this helped me in getting the best possible services for the boys. All professionals involved feel they are doing exceptionally well.
Married man, wife, and two young children. Company gone into liquidation leaving large liabilities
On behalf of my wife and myself (and the little ones) we are very grateful for the kind support and generosity of the Benevolent Association at this difficult time.
My thanks to everyone involved. Your intervention at such appropriate timing has helped me more than you may possibly ever be aware of. We appreciate your words of encouragement, the time you gave us and the peace of mind knowing how the grocery bill and some other overheads are going to be managed.
We would like to think we have always been aware of those less fortunate than ourselves and try to recognise, as tough as life is at the moment, it could be worse. We see that everything appears to exist in a circle. The help we are lucky enough to receive through the Benevolent Association can hopefully be circulated to others in time.
Member and family on disability benefit
Thank you. I have just received your Christmas card in the post and was overwhelmed by this generous grant. I was sure there had been some sort of mistake when I saw my bank account and I never dreamt that it was meant to be. I cannot thank you enough. I am crying as I type this, I am so touched by this answer to our prayers. It couldn’t come at a better time, as we had just received a whole series of bills. Everything at once! With Christmas coming fast, the four of us were struggling more than usual. Our Christmas will certainly be a lot brighter now – thank you form the bottom of my heart.
Widow with large family
I am so conscious of our need to become independent – it is painful to have to state that we are not self-sufficient…….I worked part-time until 2 years ago when I had to resign due to severe arthritis in my neck and lower back – I am much limited in my physical capacity generally. ….. I know how many, many people are calling on your generosity and oh, how I wish I was not anymore. I plead with you – if you can manage – to help us for another while….. Please accept my genuine thanks and apology for requesting this on-going support.
Elderly couple caring for their two orphaned grandsons
We do not know how we would have managed to keep a roof over the boys’ heads without the assistance of the Benevolent Association. My husband is seventy fours years old and I am coming seventy two, we do not have the ability to earn any extra money as we are both too old. The two boys are in great health, one sitting his leaving certificate and the other in college and as you can imagine it takes every penny to keep up. We understand your situation and would like to express our appreciation to the Benevolent Association for enabling us to raise our two grandchildren as best we can.
Married member with Motor Neuron Disease with two children in education
It has been a humbling experience feeling compelled to ask for financial assistance but the response of your Association, in terms of how you have handled my request, as much as your financial response, has confirmed my faith in the profession of which I have been a member for more than 30 years.
Retired Member’s Appreciation
May I say a sincere thank you for your interest and encouragement. I would have gone under without your input. It has been a source of great consolation to not just me but to my 7 wife also, to know that there was an organisation like the Benevolent Association in existence, funded by charitable men and women members, who care about those who didn’t set the business world on fire, and needed help.
I will forever sing your praises.