Cork Penny Dinners is one of the city’s oldest and most caring organisations which has a
rich history of service dating back to famine times, supporting those who struggle and
those in need. To future proof this special charity, vital to so many people, Cork Penny
Dinners has temporarily moved its food service operations and additional facilities, round
the corner from its existing premises on Little Hanover Street, to state of the art facilities
at Croí na Laoí Catriona Twomey Wellness Centre, on James Street. Croí na Laoí, which
means Heart of the Lee, boasts 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. Little Hanover Street will be 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 to support the charity in its work, now and into
the future.

The incredible work of the dedicated team of volunteers is backed up by long term and
new Trustees, who are key drivers for good governance and securing the future of the
charity. 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.

Gary speaks so highly of those involved in the everyday running of the organisation,
recently saying:
“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.”

Gary also explained:
“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. 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. Croi na Laoi 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, has been the driving
force behind the charity for many years, dedicating her time selflessly to help those in
need.

Speaking on the James Street facilities, Catríona explained:
“At the heart of everything we do are the people in need that we serve, and having these
additional facilities in Croí na Laoi 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.”

All the services of Cork Penny Dinners are provided free of charge to those who need us.
The friendly group of volunteers ensure that our guests are well looked after on a daily
basis, providing, among its many services, a hot nourishing meal from 9 a.m daily, seven
days a week.

For more information on Cork Penny Dinners visit www.corkpennydinners.ie.