Celebrate 180 years of Compassion in Action at the SSVP!
| I am looking forward to seeing you at the Annual National Formation (ANF) in Halifax June 25 to 27 celebrating 180 years of Society of Saint Vincent de Paul in Canada. This event offers a unique opportunity to connect with fellow Vincentians, attend inspiring workshops, and gain valuable formation to support our mission of compassion in action. Don’t miss the reduced early bird registration rates, be sure to register before June 1st! | | The ANF’s logo illustrates our deep and longstanding historical roots in Canada, the tree-limbs embody our members, volunteers and donors, with the tree’s hearts-shaped leaves as metaphors for the benefits of our work. It also combines “suffering with” our neighbours with the motivation to offer kindness and support, an action performed by Vincentians every day. At this ANF our long history will be the basis for our current and future actions on behalf of our neighbours in need. Our focus will be squarely on formation with demonstrations of best practices from conferences and councils and direct anti-poverty actions led by our national committees. | This beautiful commemorative T-shirt is a meaningful memento of our Society’s proud and storied history in Canada, it is available for pre-order for ANF participants! Guarantee your size, reserve yours today for pickup at the ANF - click here to order and pickup at the ANF. May 15 is the final day to submit your order. A limited quantity will be available onsite at the ANF. Note: This exclusive T-shirt is also available for delivery in our boutique - shipping charges will be applied - orders will be sent out after the ANF in July. | | I had the pleasure of attending the Ontario Regional Council Spring Assembly held April 17 and 18 in Stratford, Ontario. There were about 85 attendees. It was great connecting with many Vincentians from different parts of Ontario hearing about the great work being done serving neighbours in need. See you in Halifax! Linda Dollard, National President | TIME IS RUNNING OUT - Register today for the
Annual National Formation | Mount Saint Vincent University, Halifax, NS
Thursday, June 25 to Saturday, June 27, 2026 Our exciting program is complete!
Check out the program and the workshops list. | | Join us for dynamic conversations on social justice advocacy, formation, and operational best practices from across Canada. You’ll head home with deeper Vincentian connections, renewed engagement, and a greater sense of awareness. BOOK NOW—our early bird rate won’t last much longer, and travel costs are expected to rise. CLICK TO REGISTER TO THE ANF 2026 | Thank You to our Sponsors of our Upcoming ANF | We are pleased to announce the generous support of our upcoming ANF by DonorPerfect and HeadCount. They help strengthen the impact of our assembly. | DonorPerfect is a leading fundraising and donor management platform that helps nonprofit organizations build stronger relationships with supporters, streamline operations, and grow their mission-driven impact through innovative technology and personalized service. HeadCount empowers retailers to turn traffic into profit through reliable traffic analytics and actionable insights. We are grateful for their partnership and dedication to supporting the SSVP. | Meet the Candidates for National Council President | As you know your National Council president Linda Dollard will be leaving her post at the end of her mandate in June 2027. As per the Rule, we have been preparing for the transition and have received interest in the role from the following three candidates (in alphabetical order): | The NC Election Committee has validated all three candidacies. They have been invited to share their resume and programs in advance of the June 29 AGA when they will be allocated 15 minutes each to address the membership. The AGA will be accessible by zoom and the speeches will be translated to maximize access to all interested parties. If you are unable to participate live, we will upload and share all speeches on our website, and we will plan webinars in the fall to ensure you get to know your potential leader. The election is planned for January 2027, with a runoff - if necessary - in February 2027. | Launch of the "Compassion in Action" Grant Program | The National Council of Canada is pleased to introduce the "Compassion in Action" Grant Program, a new initiative designed to support Conferences in responding to immediate needs in their communities. Eligible Conferences may apply for up to $3,000 to provide direct aid to neighbours in need. These funds are intended to help you respond quickly and compassionately to urgent situations over a six-month period. | | What the grant supports: - Rental, housing, or utility assistance to prevent homelessness
- Food, clothing, and support for children
- Other forms of urgent, direct aid
We encourage you to apply and continue bringing hope and support to those who need it most. Up to 10 projects will be approved in 2026. 👉 Enter today: Compassion in Action - Grant Application Applications will be accepted until May 21, and funds to selected conferences will be issued in the first week of June. An impact report, including financial details, is required. If you are unsure about your eligibility or have questions, please contact national@ssvp.ca. | Stronger Together in Advocacy! | The National Social Justice Committee partners with several organizations to enhance our knowledge, outreach, and voice. One such organization is ACORN. Acorn has chapters across Canada and invites Vincentians to become members. ACORN focuses on many issues, especially landlord tenant concerns and poverty. They were recently successful in having Non-Sufficient Funds (NSF) fees capped at $10.00. Consider subscribing to their newsletters and joining this organization. Many Voices Together can create Great Change. | | Become an Informed Navigator of Hope! | The Seeds of Hope initiative equips Vincentians to become Informed Navigators of Hope. First the members are aware of programs, opportunities and services under the 3 main pillars of Health, Education and Wellness (HEW). Once equipped they can make the neighbours aware and most importantly can walk alongside them to access. We are addressing information poverty and creating hope for a more sustainable future by stretching the encounter from a transactional focus into a relational encounter. READ MORE | | Great News from SSVP Montréal | Volunteer Recognition Award – Québec 2026 The Government of Québec awarded the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul of Montréal the Volunteer Recognition Award – Québec 2026 in the Organization category during the official ceremony held on April 21 in Québec City. This distinction, one of the most prestigious honours awarded to volunteer organizations in Québec, recognizes organizations whose volunteer commitment has a significant and lasting impact on the community. In the Organization category, the award highlights the ability to mobilize, support, and value volunteer involvement. For the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul of Montréal, this award above all represents the strength of the volunteer commitment that has driven our mission for the past 177 years. Each year, nearly 900 regular volunteers in the field and more than 2,000 corporate volunteers dedicate close to 700,000 hours combined to supporting people experiencing vulnerability across Montreal, Laval, and L’Assomption. Many have been involved for 10, 20, 40, and sometimes even 60 years. This recognition belongs entirely to them. | Volunteer Celebration 2026
In Montréal More than 320 participants gathered on Sunday, April 26, 2026, for the annual Volunteer Celebration of the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul of Montreal. With a cruise theme, this festive day highlighted the dedication of those who bring our mission to life every day through food distribution, family support, operational assistance, and involvement in our thrift stores. The event also featured several moments of recognition, including a tribute to Pierre Pratte, former president of the organization, as well as the presentation of the Hubert Paré Award 2026 to Raymond Dagenais for his exceptional volunteer commitment of more than 20 years at the Sainte-Rose-de-Lima service point in Laval. The day concluded with a musical performance by Gabrielle Destroismaisons, spokesperson for the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul of Montreal, offering participants a memorable and unifying moment. | | The Path of a Generous Heart A senior named Michael drives from St. Catharines to the Burlington warehouse store at least once a week, perhaps more. Each time, he collects donated day-old bakery items and delivers them to the SSVP to share with those most in need. When I remarked, “This is so very kind of you,” he simply replied, “Anything I can do for God, I am happy to do.” There was no complaining, no mention of the cost of gas, his arthritis, the workers at the store, or the people he encounters along the way. What Michael may not fully see is his love in action. READ MORE | Sandwich production record broken at the Windsor Street Outreach program! The LaSalle-River Canard Youth Group have established a new record cycle time as they helped to make meat & cheese sandwiches for the SSVP Windsor Street Outreach program. The lofty goal of 500 sandwiches was blown away by the youth, supported by Deacon Joel, to make an astounding 722 sandwiches in 74 minutes! Absolutely incredible! Our houseless neighbours in need thank you for your support, the sandwiches were well received the next morning, and everyone was thanking the team with as many responding with "God Bless you". | | Noreen MacDonald, St. Cecilia's Conference, Calgary Noreen MacDonald has been a dedicated volunteer for almost 40 years. Noreen was instrumental in setting up and working at the clothing store for the needy. She has been our treasurer for most of her volunteer years and was also the treasurer for Western region, Central council and North Particular conference in Calgary. Her records were always in perfect order. | | Noreen was involved with the writing of the job descriptions in the Rules and Statutes manual, which is still used today. She was also on the training team helping new conferences getting set up. The Annual National Formations (ANF) were a favourite for Noreen, she travelled across Canada, making friends along the way and helped with the ANF here in Calgary. Noreen has helped in every position in our conference, dispatch, grocery shopping, packing hampers and delivering hampers. Over the years she has delivered over one thousand hampers. She remembers our clients, their families and where they live, her memory recall is amazing. Her busiest time of year is organizing our Christmas Hamper project. The angel tree, boxes, groceries, gift cards, and volunteer sheets, she does it all. We are grateful for her time, talent and dedication every year, we couldn't do it without her. We invite you to submit your nominations to recognize a Vincentian in our community whose work and dedication deserve to be celebrated. | Word Bearing Fruit in THE Lives OF others… AND OURS But as for the seed that fell on rich soil, they are the ones who, when they have heard the word embrace it with a generous and good heart, and bear fruit through perseverance. (Luke 8:15) READ MORE | | Question & Answer What is your 30 second pitch to encourage someone to join the SSVP? | | Share a story of why you are passionate about the service you provide to our neighbour in need: “It truly warms my heart to see the hope providing food security, clothing, furniture, and basic necessities brings to people.” Invite them to join a meeting to learn more about the work of the Society and ensure you welcome and engage new members right away. The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul is open to all who wish to serve neighbours in need with compassion. As Elaine McMurray, a dedicated SSVP Canada member with over 30 years of service, recently said, “Don’t hesitate. There’s a place for everyone, and we can always find something for you to do. It’s fun, and it’s a great organization to be part of.” Your questions deserve answers — send them to us! | We regularly publish exciting facts about the SSVP. Visit our Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn frequently to find out more about the Society. To promote our publications, please like and share them. Links to our social media can be found at the bottom of this newsletter. We are always looking for Vincentian testimonials and conference/council activity stories. Send your stories to share with Vincentians across Canada to editor-editeur@ssvp.ca. If you received this from a friend, you can subscribe to receive our newsletter directly. SUBSCRIBE HERE | Connect with us on social media | | | | |
