Are you looking for information on our Christmas Hamper program? <click here>
Do you or someone else you know need assistance meeting their basic needs, particularly food aid?
Are you interested in joining our society as a volunteer? We have a wide range of tasks for many abilities.
For help, or to volunteer, call 250-492-2082 and leave your name and phone number so that we can contact you.
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. The Penticton Conference of SSVP is a member of the Society of St Vincent De Paul Okanagan Valley Particular Council.
The Society, being placed under the protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary on December 8 many years ago has the following Mission and Values:
Our Mission:
To live the Gospel message by serving Christ in the poor with love, respect, justice and joy.
Our Values: The Mission of the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul implies that as Vincentians we:
- See Christ in anyone who suffers
- Come together as a family
- Have personal contact with the poor
- Help in all possible ways
Come to me all who are weary and overburdened and I will give you rest.
(Matthew 11:25)
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 St Ann 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 we are dollar solvent. 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.
To receive a hamper from our Weekly Hamper Program, call 250-492-2082 and leave your name and phone number so that we can contact you.
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.
Each year, a dedicated telephone line is setup to take registrations from the beginning of November through early December. Hampers are normally delivered in the weeks just before Christmas.
This undertaking is only possible because of the generous support of the Parishes through donations of time, talent, and treasure.
A Brief History
The Society of St Vincent de Paul is an international lay Catholic organization founded in 1833 by young 20 year old Frederic Ozanam and his university companions. Ozanam was beatified on August 27, 1997. His feast day is celebrated on September 9.
Catholic in character, the Society is open to all those who wish to live their faith by loving and serving their neighbour. Faithful to its founder, the Society constantly strives to renew and adapt itself to the changing conditions of the world.
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.
Financial Donations
Did you know that the Penticton’s Society of St Vincent de Paul:
- Purchases all the food required at local retail stores (other than donated food from Mary’s Pantry or other such food donations)
- Spends between $60 – $120 per hamper
- Spends on average $150,000 per year on food purchases
- Spends on average $35,000 – $45,000 per year supplying Christmas Hampers
- Most of St Vincent de Paul’s Penticton Conference’s operating funds come from donations from Penticton parishioners, Catholic service organizations (Catholic Women’s League, Knights of Columbus), and monies/toys we receive from the community at large
- We are probably the second largest food bank in Penticton
Donate To St. Vincent de Paul
For more information about SSVP:
- If you are in need of assistance, call 250-492-2082 and leave your name and phone number so that we can contact you
- Visit the SSVP Okanagan Valley Particular Council website
- Visit the Canadian SSVP website
- To speak with someone for more information about the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, call Jerry Imhoff @ 250-488-8575 or Sharon Snow @ 250-493-1208