I had the pleasure of attending several events in September and October. The first was a fellowship gathering in Brampton, Ontario. I was also invited to be a guest speaker at the banquet dinner organized by Sarnia Particular Council, and in October, Philippe Blain and I were pleased to attend the 2-day Quebec Congress.

Linda Dollard, President
National Council of Canada

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This year marks the Society's seventh national campaign for the World Day of the Poor (WDP) on November 19. The theme this year is “Do not turn your face away from anyone who is poor”, a theme entirely in line with the mission of the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul.

This theme is indeed a great opportunity to educate the public and make our mission known, to increase the visibility of our activities, to recruit new Vincentians and to collect funds and/or non-perishable goods for support our efforts.

This year again, the national council is offering you materials that you can use as is or adapt according to your needs. You can access it on our site:

ssvp.ca/members/resources/world-day-of-the-poor-tools-for-members

The ageing of SSVP Conferences is a reality across the country, and it is a complex and wide-ranging issue, requiring immediate and effective solutions.

The “Practical Guide for the Revitalization of SSVP Conferences” contains an analysis and suggestions for actions to recruit new members. This initiative aims to help conferences and councils’ presidents meet the challenge of renewal within the Society. It is now available on the CGI website:

www.ssvpglobal.org/cgi-publishes-booklet-on-the-revitalization-of-ssvp-conferences/

THE ALBERTA MACKENZIE PROVINCIAL CWL COUNCIL
AND THE SSVP SHARED INITIATIVE
TO HELP FEED THE NORTH

In mid September, an idea was born at our ABMK Executive Fall Meeting to provide aid to northern communities coping with the devastation of wildfires through a large donation of basic food items that are expensive and in short supply which include flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, peanut butter, baking soda, etc.

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SSVP COMMONWEALTH OF DOMINICA
“HAPPY” EDUCATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

The National Council of the Commonwealth of Dominica - SSVP is running an education sponsorship program since 2001. The program is called “H.A.P.P.Y.”, or Help A Poor Promising Youth.

The aim of the program is to help high school students in need throughout Dominica pursue their education for the 5-year school curriculum. At this time, more than 65 students are benefitting from the program.

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MINISTRY FAIR AT HOLY REDEEMER PARISH KANATA

In the same vision with the Ontario Regional Council Rejuvenation Committee, looking to find practical ways for conferences and councils to revitalize, by making our Society dynamic again as our founder envisaged, Holy Redeemer Parish in Kanata hosted a MINISTRY FAIR, which occurred the weekend after our clergy preached on stewardship, on the weekend of October 14 and 15, 2023, during "Stewardship Sunday".

The purpose of the Fair was to create awareness, interest, and involvement among the parishioners.

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MARIO VADNAIS

At the Quebec Regional Council's 20th biennial SSVP congress, Mario Vadnais was awarded the Mérite Frédéric Ozanam, in recognition of his sustained commitment to the community and his determination to promote solidarity, mutual aid and sharing within the Société Saint-Vincent de Paul.

His involvement as a volunteer and as President of the Joliette SSVP began in 2014. Over the years, Mr. Vadnais has made the organisation shine. His many achievements have made it possible to fight poverty, promote the educational development of children in the region and develop the infrastructure of our establishments to better meet the needs of our clients. We thank him for his unwavering support over almost 10 years.