Philippe Blain and I attended the US National Assembly in August in Phoenix, Arizona. There were over 800 attendees and a variety of workshops to choose from plus excellent keynote speakers. We were able to connect with many Vincentians about their good work and challenges.

We also toured some of their special works including the Avondale Thrift Store and Dan O’Meara Center which do amazing work helping people in need.

It is apparent that the Society in the U.S. faces the same challenges that we face in Canada including the need for more members, the need for more members taking on leadership roles, and the need for Conference rejuvenation.

One of the workshops I attended, entitled “Results and lessons from the reinvigoration Pilot”, dealt with Conference rejuvenation and the results of a Mesa AZ pilot project started one year prior, which led to 8 new members recruited and remaining engaged with the Conference. Two key takeaways from this workshop includes the need for a Member/Volunteer Co-Ordinator who manages member recruitment, training and engagement, as well as the need to do a Conference self-evaluation. Does your Conference have a Member/Volunteer Co-Ordinator? When was the last time your Conference did a self-evaluation? Check out this sample self-evaluation.

Other exciting workshops included how to adapt to an ever-changing world through the eyes of Frédéric Ozanam, as well as examples of operational best practices in stores and recycling practices, and successful fundraising.

The following “Donor Love Pillars” resonated with me:

1. Charities are not ENTITLED to donor support.
2. The Donor must be the hero of every fundraising story you tell, NOT you.
3. Donors don’t give because you’re awesome (even though you are), but because THEY are awesome.
4. Donors WANT to give – they just need to get as much out of the relationship as you do.

We are adapting our approach at National Council to keep these in mind as much as possible and encourage you to do the same.

Thank you for your continuing efforts supporting your neighbours in need.

Linda Dollard, National President

On July 29 a survey was sent out asking for feedback on your preferred frequency for the ANF to take place, as this gathering is intended to benefit all members. Decisions stemming from the results of that survey will be implemented starting in 2026. If you have not yet completed this survey, please do so before September 30 so your voice may be heard.

Thank you.

The SSVP is currently a significant solution-provider to this crisis in Canada, and with your support, we could do so much more for our neighbours in need.

Thanks to our uniquely local and customized approach, Vincentian volunteers across the country address and help solve their own community’s diverse housing-related issues.

Our Society is active on multiple fronts:

• Preventing Homelessness: We offer rent support and food vouchers, operate food banks, donate essential clothing and furniture items through our 80+ Chez Vincent and Saint Vincent de Paul Thrift Stores, ship essential nutrition items to remote northern communities in our North of 60 program and assist households in need with programs like Invincible Housing in Kelowna BC.
• Surviving Homelessness: We help those on the streets where they reside, on the streets of Windsor, Hamilton and Brant ON, and we support a “tiny homes” community in Kelowna.
• Temporary Housing / Shelters: the SSVP operates multiple locations in Toronto and Barrie, as well as an emergency shelter in Halifax NS.
• Subsidized Housing: We operate housing units in Victoria BC, and soon in Halifax NS.

The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul also advocates for indigenous housing rights and builds awareness of solutions proposed by the Canadian Alliance to End Homelessness (CAEH) and the Canadian Housing Evidence Collaborative (CHEC), amongst others.

We will be communicating our current and future efforts to Canadians who feel powerless to help their neighbours in need, to consider supporting the work of the SSVP. Funds generated by this campaign will ensure that those without homes can move forward, and those in transition can imagine a brighter, safer future.

Philippe E. Blain, Executive Director

Why?
Companies like to find ways to engage their employees by providing them simple and cost-less options to donate to their favourite charities.

Does it work?
YES! Since 2017, over $600,000 have been donated to the SSVP, with 94.8% of the funds redirected to conferences and counsels.

How do we encourage participation?
Ask your employer to provide access to the service or fund-matching, and talk to your friends, families and colleagues about this fantastic option.

Click here for more information.