If you are in need of some assistance, or know of someone needing help, with food vouchers or household goods, please call the St Vincent de Paul Society at Basilica of Our Lady at 519-731-2563 and leave a message. Include your name, phone number and address, and we will return your call as soon as possible. Also visit our local website www.ssvpguelph.ca or our provincial website www.ssvp.on.ca.
Our History
The Society of St Vincent de Paul was founded in 1833 by Frederick Ozanam, a 22 year old student in France. Frederick and his companians sought to assist the poor and marginalized in their community by providing from their own pockets, the material means to keep those from starving. Since those days, the society has spread to almost every part of the world. The Society in the Church of Our Lady was established and received its charter in March, 1872. Since that time the conference has been supplying the same needs as Frederick and his compainions within our parish boundaries in the city of Guelph.
Who We Are
The society is a non profit, volunteer organization that unites its members in the service of the poor in a humble and discreet manner. Upon receiving requests for assistance, members of the society visit each person and evaluate their needs in a loving and non - judgemental way. As needed, vouchers are issued to obtain food, furniture, clothing, house hold goods, and/or temporary lodging.
Members work in teams of two on visitations. The commitment is several hours a week about every 8 weeks. Good communication and interpersonal skills are essential.
Training is on going by instruction and discussion of the Society's rules at meetings, which are held on the second and fourth Tuesday of every month. These meetings usually last for about 1 hour.
Funding for the work done by this society is through donations of the parishioners as well as private donations and bequests.
Volunteer With Our Society
As we grow and expand our services to encompass youth involvement as well as follow up services, we are in need of more members to help get these projects up and running.
View the Financial Reports for the Society of St. Vincent de Paul
