SSVP CANADA NEWS - June 19, 2024

SSVP CANADA - June 19, 2024

NEWSLETTER

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

I had the pleasure of visiting India from June 5^th to 10^th for an International Executive Committee meeting representing Canada. There were about 35 people in attendance representing 22 countries. This was a great opportunity to meet with National Council Presidents from around the world to hear about the Society’s work globally. It was interesting to hear about the differences in the work and activities in the various countries while the mission is the same everywhere helping our neighbours in need. We heard presentations including twinning and governance at the International level.

I am looking forward to our National Council meeting, ANF and AGM, taking place in Calgary June 20^th to 22^nd. For those who have registered, I look forward to seeing you there.

Linda Dollard, National President

Linda and Juan Manuel Buergo, International Council President

Delegates attending
the International Executive Committee meeting
in India

Linda and the National Council Presidents from Germany and France

VINCENTIAN LIFE

Dear Society of Saint Vincent de Paul,

On Thursday May 16^th, our catechism class held a “Garage Sale for Kids”. This was originally organized to be held during Lent, but we cancelled due to snow.

This event was an exercise in how we can serve others and give of ourselves.

Children were asked to go through their toys and books, and they were asked to find items of their own to donate. They were also asked to bring their own money (or to do chores at home for money) that they could “shop” with.

Items were brought to catechism classes and one of our older classes then laid out the “garage sale’ in our large hall. After classes were over, all the students (and younger siblings) were able to come and “shop”. EVERYTHING cost 25¢ each! It didn’t take long for everyone to have and find a new treasure!

It only made sense that we donate our money that the kids themselves raised, to a group in our parish. As many of our classes have learned about St. Vincent de Paul and we readily see your amazing group in action within our parish. The decision was easily made to donate our profits to you. It may only be $45.75, but we are so happy to do “our” part!

Thank you,
Sharon Turner Rondquist

NORTH OF 60

The river water levels in the Northwest Territories are too low to facilitate barge traffic this year. As a result sea cans transport costs have exponentially increased, endangering the SSVP North of 60 program’s promise to deliver much needed goods to our northern neighbours in need. Read through the articles linked below for more details.

Please watch video and donate if you can support the program.

MAKE A DONATION

BALLOONING COSTS THREATEN ST. VINCENT DE PAUL NORTH OF 60 PROJECT

Low water level halts barge traffic, adds $144K to shipping price to northern communities

Anna Borowiecki - June 10, 2024 6:15 AM

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SSVP) is dealing with unprecedented financial hardship that ballooned to $144,000 after the N.W.T. closed the Mackenzie River to barge traffic in May.

READ COMPLETE ARTICLE HERE

MAKE A DONATION

VINCENTIANS TRANSFORM LIVES NORTH OF 60

BY QUINTON AMUNDSON, THE CATHOLIC REGISTER - June 1, 2024

What do you get when you combine the indefatigability of a religious sister, the impassioned altruism of a Calgary parishioner and the astonishing generosity and mobilizing power of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SSVP)?

The North of 60 Project, which since 2010 has been an awe-inspiring and impactful charitable giving effort to support communities in Canada’s Arctic region.

READ COMPLETE ARTICLE HERE

Sport Central provides sports equipment to kids in Edmonton AB at no cost. They donated 24 complete bags of equipment, plus a selection of goalie pads and hockey sticks to the SSVP’s North of 60 Project.This equipment was loaded in a sea can, currently en route to Paulatuk, NWT, a small community in the high Arctic, so the kids can use them in time for their next hockey season.

Paulatuk participates in the wider Territorial indigenous hockey program but has very little equipment for their teams of boys and girls ages 7 to 17.

The SSVP Our Lady of Perpetual Help Conference from Sherwood Park, AB Conference contributed $1,000 to Sport Central in appreciation for Sport Central’s generosity.

REFLECTION

ON CARING FOR ONE ANOTHER

“It is no longer I who live but Christ who lives in me.” (Galatians 2.20)

In Devotion TV on December 20, 2023, Fr. Mark Miller, CSsR posed and helped us ponder: Why did God create human beings? God created us to look after one another and the planet, and ultimately to respond in love to God who is love.