RTÉ broadcaster Ryan Tubridy has called on RTÉ to revive the Telethon to raise money for Saint Vincent de Paul and other charities.

Speaking at the launch of the SVP annual appeal, Mr Tubridy said the move should be considered by RTÉ as the Children in Need fundraiser in the UK raised £37 million (circa €50 million) in one day of broadcast.

“I think we need to bring something like that back to RTÉ and we need to raise a few million quid for St Vincent de Paul and raise some money for where it belongs,” said Mr Tubridy.

The RTÉ Telethon, last held in 2007, raised money for the People in Need charity and was broadcast every two years.

He said if Telethon was to be held again, he would do “12 hours broadcast on the trot”.

‘People watch television’

“It doesn’t have to happen every year, but it may be a way around collecting outside church gates where it may not be as busy as it used to be. People watch television, and this is something that may be considered for Vincent de Paul and other charities,” he said.

The society said providing help to families in danger of becoming homeless and those living in hotels, B&Bs and emergency accommodation is an ever-increasing part of its work.

Mr Tubridy said it was unacceptable that hundreds of families are living in emergency accommodation and that a situation where children are doing their homework in hotel rooms was “Strumpet City, not Dublin city”.

“We should be aware that when everyone is saying congratulations and we’re a great small country to do business in, for the same token, not all boats rise with the tide,” he said.

The society warned the number of people seeking help with basic needs like food and heat remains at record levels.

It said that despite some parts of the economy enjoying recovery, it was still taking twice as many calls from the poorest in society than in 2009.

National vice-president of SVP Kieran Stafford said most people who needed the society’s help were struggling week in and week out on a basic minimum income from welfare or low-paid work.

“It can still take just one small problem to tip a family into a crisis,” he said.

“We want to emphasise that we are here primarily to help people over a hard time, and sometimes that is sufficient to ensure that they don’t slip into long-term poverty.

‘Change everything’

“We know that a little help at the right time can change everything for someone in crisis.”

This year, the SVP annual appeal will focus on the message “Say yes to the St Vincent de Paul because your help can last a lifetime.”

The society has also launched a series of fundraising initiatives on its website, including a virtual gift store, a giving tree and food appeal, Christmas cards and help running events.

Among those already supporting this year’s campaign are Mrs Brown’s Boys creator Brendan O’Carroll, who will provide more than 2,500 Christmas dinners to families in the greater Dublin area, and Aldi which is asking shoppers to leave a wrapped gift in stores from November 23rd to December 4th.