The response was overwhelming and immediate. The Committee was struck by the massive needs each conference described and the variety of the requests; we received and examined a total of 23 submissions from every region in Canada requesting a total of $67,700.

The Committee was inspired by the commitment to responding compassionately to local needs. Through this program, we hope to strengthen the important work Vincentians carry out every day with care, dignity, and compassion.

Some of the criteria considered in the project selection included:

• Conferences already budgeting for a particular need - not starting a new initiative;
• Responding to a major increase in requests or reacting to something out of their control - loss of benefactor; natural disaster; industry closure, etc.
• Showing fiscal responsibility and involvement with local agencies and other partners.
• Getting support from their PC.
• Showcasing an Indigenous focus.

The committee also endeavored to choose projects across all regions of Canada.

Below is the list of the conferences whose projects were selected:

• Our Lady of Lourdes Conference, West Kelowna BC
• Sacred Heart Isolated Conference, Williams Lake BC
• Good Shepherd, Edmonton AB
• St Patricks, Yellowknife NT
• St. Joseph, Guelph ON
• St Joseph / St Patrick Conference, Port Elgin ON
• Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary/ St. Ignatius / Our Lady Mount Carmel, Ottawa ON
• St. Mark's Conference, Aylmer QC
• Saint Marguerite Bourgeoys, Lakeside, NS
• Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta, Halifax NS

Grant funds were issued early this month, and they must be utilised over the next six months in accordance with the terms of the application. As part of the program requirements, an impact report including financial details will be due at the conclusion of the funding period.

Thank you all for your engagement and resilience in supporting your neighbours in need. Our plan is to ensure that this program is fully funded to become an annual event.

As part of the upcoming National Council President election, we are pleased to share the biographies of the three candidates. Their profiles provide an overview of their Vincentian experience, leadership roles, and dedication to the mission and values of the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul (in alphabetical order).

Click on each photo to learn more about the candidate's experience and background.

At the June 29 AGA, each of the three candidates will be given 15 minutes 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.

At the St. Dominic youth conference in Oakville Ontario, Susana has spent her high school years serving her community through a variety of outreach and service initiatives. As a dedicated member of a budding youth conference, she has played an active role in developing communications, recruitment strategies, and service projects for young people interested in becoming Vincentians. Her leadership is evident through her roles as Communication Minister and Co-President. Susana has been involved with initiatives like street outreach, food and toiletry drives, baby showers for vulnerable women, and sustainable plant sales.

Susana will be embarking on a new journey in her education as she begins her studies in history and political science at the University of Ottawa. The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul Canada is excited to see where her enthusiastic servant leadership will take her in this next stage of her journey!

Victoria Menesis
Canadian Youth Representative

The first Christians banded together to escape prosecution, hostility and prejudice — all formidable and daunting. Though of different backgrounds, status and past creeds, they moved beyond their differences into a life-centered on faith and commitment to one another. What was once scorned and repressed transformed into a joyful and firm new-found creed. They recognized their many gifts and shared them generously: some guided, some welcomed, some taught, and others cared for the community’s basic needs.

Deep solidarity and true fellowship shaped and defined the early Christian community, drawing the early believers closer as they continued to flourish their faith and grew in number and influence.

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Since opening its doors, the new Chez Vincent has already received enthusiastic feedback from customers. One shopper shared:

“Congratulations on this wonderful new thrift store. It is one of the nicest in Quebec City and, for now, it remains a well-kept secret.”

This new opening reflects the Society’s ongoing commitment to serving the community while promoting the reuse of goods and supporting a circular economy.

If you are visiting the Quebec City area, be sure to stop by and discover this new Chez Vincent location—and help spread the word about this hidden gem!

Over the years, Pat’s involvement grew from volunteering in the thrift store to serving at the council level. For Pat, the thrift store is much more than a place to shop. She sees it as an extension of the home visit tradition at the heart of Vincentian service. Vouchers provided to neighbors in need can be redeemed at the store, allowing families to receive essential items free of charge. She often reminds volunteers and community partners that although it is called a store, its true purpose is to help those in need.

Along with operating the thrift store and supporting a food bank, the local Society members are also becoming more involved in advocacy and community initiatives, including efforts to address housing instability through partnerships with local organizations.

One experience remains especially close to Pat’s heart: helping provide a bed for a mother who needed one so her child could stay with her on weekends. That moment reinforced for Pat how even a simple act of kindness can transform lives.

For Pat, Vincentian service is also a faith journey — one lived through caring for the most vulnerable. Her dedication and compassion continue to inspire those around her.

Thank you, Pat, for all the work you do with the National Formation Committee, as well as for organizing the ANF workshops.

We invite you to submit your nominations to recognize a Vincentian in our community whose work and dedication deserve to be celebrated.

The voting members of the National Annual General Assembly are the Presidents of Particular, Central, and Regional Councils, together with the following members of the National Board of Directors: the Vice-Presidents, the Secretary, the Treasurer, and the Youth Representative.

Rule and Statutes SSVP Canada - 2.14 PROXIES

A voting member who cannot attend a meeting should be represented by a member or an officer of his/her conference or council using a signed Proxy Form, which will be presented to, verified and accepted by the secretary or his or her substitute before the meeting.

Appointed voting members (e.g., officers of a board) cannot be represented by proxy at any meeting.

A voting delegate may not hold more than one proxy. The appointment of proxies must be recorded in conference or council minutes.

Your questions deserve answers — send them to us!