The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul (SSVP) is a group of volunteers who coordinate your generous food and/or money donations to provide food hampers to those in need in our community.
For more information on the Regular Hamper Program, Christmas Hamper Program, volunteer opportunities, and how to support the Society, please visit the Penticton Saint Vincent de Paul website.
As a volunteer, you can join this ministry and help in big or small ways, however you are willing or able. Here are some of the activities that SSVP takes on:
Weekly Hamper Program & Other Assistance
Each week we work diligently to assist those in need in the Penticton region. Our local Penticton Conference deals primarily with food hampers (delivered Mon, Wed and Saturday) as well as client assistance such as rent/utilities or other appropriate necessities when our finances permit. Our volunteers are visible in the hamper room in the basement of St Ann’s Church, mostly putting together food hampers for the several who deliver food to clients’ homes. We have volunteers working behind the scenes ordering, purchasing and stocking our shelves, responding to client calls and all the administrative work that goes into running the Society.
We can always use help preparing & packing hampers, picking up food from the Farmer’s Market, and delivering hampers.
Christmas Hamper Campaign
Every year the Penticton Society of St. Vincent de Paul undertakes a Christmas Hamper Campaign. This is a time-limited program where individuals, couple or families can register for a Christmas Hamper intended to provide a generous meal during the Christmas season. These hampers are composed of various food items to create a wonderful Christmas dinner and may also include a small gift for the children.
This undertaking is only possible because of the generous support of the Parishes through donations of time, talent, and treasure.
Material Donations: Mary’s Pantry
Every month on the 1st Sunday, we collect non-perishable food items. You can bring your donation to Mass and look for the big bin labelled “Mary’s Pantry”, usually near the front of the church. Please check the bulletin for a list of the items needed. All canned or boxed products must have a valid “best before date”. We do not accept home canning products.