National housing charity Threshold has today revealed Send Love Home, a suite of Valentine’s Day e-cards designed by a number of artists and illustrators, aimed at raising much-needed funds for the charity.
Supporters can send up to five e-cards to loved ones in return for a donation to Threshold.
The artists that have donated their designs to this cause are Stephen Heffernan — better known as Hephee — a Dublin-based designer, art director and illustrator; Piera Cirefice, a watercolour illustrator from County Down; and Evelyn Suttle, a Dublin-based watercolour artist whose work has been exhibited throughout Europe, the US and China.
Supporters can send their e-cards via DontSendMeACard, an online platform which turns the cost of cards into donations for charities that rely on giving.
The amount of the donation to Threshold is up to the sender, with donations starting at as little as €2. The cards include slogans such as Home is Where the Heart is, Miss You Lots and You’re my Cupán Bae.
Threshold recently revealed that a total of 78 calls were made by renters to its freephone helpline during Christmas week, an average rate of 11 calls per day and an increase of 28 per cent on the same period in 2019.
More than a quarter (26 per cent) of queries received during the period related to tenancy termination.
Speaking about the fundraiser, CEO of Threshold, John-Mark McCafferty said: “Despite the protections introduced for private renters in Ireland throughout 2020, Threshold’s advisors are still very much in demand. Fundraising efforts such as this are vital to enable our advisors to continue to be that reassuring voice at the other end of the phone for tenants in distress around the country. The events of the past year have shone a spotlight on the importance of having a safe, secure home, and every donation we receive allows us to keep people in their homes.
“We are so grateful to the artists who have generously donated their time and designs to this project and hope that the e-cards bring a smile to people across Ireland during this difficult time.”
Contributor to the fundraiser and watercolour artist Eveyln Suttle said: “Now, more than ever, it is important to have safe and secure homes for everyone. This Valentine's Day, please support Threshold to help those most affected by housing problems and facing homelessness in these tough times. Whether it's free advice to put someone's mind at ease, or preventing an illegal eviction, their support can offer hope to people living in Ireland.”
