Nestled in the heart of Dublin’s vibrant Liberties, a remarkable story of compassion and community dedication takes centre stage. Lisa Byrne, a valued member of the OCS team, is not only a native of the Liberties but also dedicates her expertise to the local community while working at the Guinness Storehouse within OCS’ cleaning division. While her journey may seem similar to many of us, Lisa’s life narrative transcends the ordinary, exemplifying the true spirit of selflessness.
Beyond her role at OCS, Lisa plays a pivotal role as a founder and volunteer with the Liberty Soup Run, a community volunteer group in Dublin 8 with a mission to extend a lifeline to those experiencing homelessness and families on their journey out of it.
This heart-warming initiative, initiated in 2019 by Lisa’s husband, Cristopher O’Reilly, has undergone a remarkable transformation. It began as a humble table offering a modest array of sandwiches and biscuits. Today, it stands as a sprawling city-wide operation. Lisa, Christopher, and a dedicated team of over 30 volunteers invest their time and energy seven days a week, providing a range of support services, meals, clothing, toiletries, and other essential items to those in dire need.
Each Thursday, you’ll find Lisa and her young family at the Liberty Soup Run stall on Thomas Street, distributing food parcels, hot beverages, and essential items to Dublin’s homeless community. Additionally, the Liberty Soup Run have a Walking Outreach Team to reach individuals who are unable to make the journey to Thomas Street, and the Liberty Soup Run van is out on the streets of Dublin every evening, offering the same vital supports. It’s important to note that the Liberty Soup Run doesn’t rely on government funding and heavily depends on the generosity of the public for donations and support.
For Christopher, the larger goal is to initiate long-term change and provide treatment for those they assist. “Breaking the cycle” for many individuals grappling with addiction is a crucial step towards permanent homelessness solutions. Christopher has already played a pivotal role in getting over 100 individuals into treatment centres, and his next aspiration is to establish his own rehabilitation clinic. He believes that it’s not just about feeding them; it’s about giving them a purpose and getting them off the streets for good.
Lisa’s story and her work serve as a poignant reminder that even amidst our daily responsibilities, each of us possesses the potential to be a catalyst for positive change within our communities. Her remarkable journey embodies the transformative power of compassion and unwavering dedication to a better world.
For more information on how you can support the Liberty Soup Run and its various initiatives, please visit their official website at https://www.facebook.com/liberty.souprun.9
Some of Liberty Soup Run volunteers ready for action.
