Catholic social outreach

People helping people Anne Marie McCarten, National Executive Officer, St Vincent de Paul Society in New Zealand. The Society of St Vincent de Paul has a long and proud history…

People helping people

Anne Marie McCarten, National Executive Officer, St Vincent de Paul Society in New Zealand.

The Society of St Vincent de Paul has a long and proud history of helping people in need in New Zealand. Throughout the Archdiocese of Wellington, the Palmerston North Diocese and the length and breadth of New Zealand, the Society has been providing assistance to many in need for nearly 150 years. In 2017, we will be celebrating 150 years of ‘people helping people’ in New Zealand.

The Society has been a large part of the Catholic community in New Zealand since it first began in New Zealand in 1867 to help those affected by poverty. Thanks to volunteers and Catholic community support over the years, we are still able to provide the help and support to those in need.

The Society helps families and individuals with practical support with food, clothing and furniture, emergency accommodation when needed, b
udgeting advice, advocacy, and family support. Our local St Vincent de Paul conferences (membership groups) give a hand-up to those in need in their areas.

Conferences are always looking for different ways to connect with their community to raise awareness and donations for their vital programmes. They rely on donations as well as income from Vinnie’s shops to support their work. With community support they can directly fund programmes and foodbanks.

A recent fashion parade at the Vinnie’s shop at 52 Rangitikei Street, Palmerston North, was a huge success. Models showcased clothing from the shop and the ‘Manawatunes’ – an all-male barber shop group – entertained.

Many parishes have their own conference or have joinesd with other parishes to form a combined conference. The amalgamation of parishes in Seatoun and Miramar enabled two conferences to join together.

Over the last eight months this conference has helped more than 50 clients, made over 150 visits to individuals, families and rest-home residents. Students at local Catholic primary schools have been supported with uniform items, activity lessons and stationery. And many new members have turned out to help with street-day appeals.

A successful appeal held at PAK‘nSAVE Kilbirnie showed shoppers’ generosity and compassion with their donations of food and cash for the Society’s Foodbank at Wellington Area Centre, Newtown.

Donations of quality goods are always gratefully received at any Vinnie’s shop. Visit the website at www.svdp.org.nz for shop contact details. And new members to the Society’s conferences are always welcome.