St. Vincent de Paul
MinistriesBoard of Saint Vincent de Paul:
Patt Irvine – President
Claudia Gastaldo – Secretary
Leticia Estrada – Treasurer
Board members – Chantal Hudspeth, Eileen Brown, Wally Licas.
The charism of The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul is to aid and serve the poor and marginalized in our community. Personal contact is made with home visits. Our conference is supported by a monthly collection at St. Peter’s Church. This collection is used to help in many ways such as food service every Friday of the month and the first and second Sunday of each month, food assistance delivered to homes, monthly donation to two local food banks, rent, on occasion, transportation to and from hospital and/or doctor visit. As well SSVP donates monthly to two local food banks. At Christmas we deliver a gift bag which includes gift cards and Christmas cookies and candy. The gift card is based on the number of people in the family.
People looking for aid can call our help line (604-520-0663) which is monitored daily. Requests can be for food assistance, help with prescriptions, rent or utility payments. If we are unable to provide aid, we will give name or other groups or organizations who can help.
We will do home visits as requested for people who are lonely and have no family to visit or help them.
Testimonials from volunteers
Claudia – As a mother, I want my children to know that their place in the world is centered on being supportive to others in the community. The Saint Vincent de Paul food service provides my children with the opportunity to see that people who are in need are real people in need of dignity, support and acknowledgement. The patrons of the food service are consistently friendly, polite, sincere and extremely thankful. Volunteering is one little things that my family can do to help out in the community. The impact it has on us personally each time inspires us to want to help more.
Maiah (age 16) – When I volunteer with the Saint Vincent de Paul food service it is a bittersweet thing. It brings me joy to serve and help others. I feel sad to know that each person is a mother, father, sister, brother, son or daughter who just needs a little help. I appreciate that the people we serve are friendly and kind.
Elijah (age 13) – What I like about serving at the Saint Vincent de Paul food program is that I am aware of my privileges. I notice that others don't have what I have. Sometimes I don't want to go but when I'm there I feel good about helping others. All the people we serve are polite and kind.
Giuliana (age 10) – I enjoy volunteering at the Saint Vincent de Paul food program because I get to help people who may not have what I have. It makes me sad to know that people live without and live on the street. I notice that the people getting food from us are really thankful