Look at the amazing impact YOU
made in Canada in 2024 | The SSVP in Canada once again delivered formidable assistance and love to our neighbours in need, as conveyed in the 2024 Community Impact Report. Combined, the value of the material support is staggering, as are the efforts to operate our non-profit stores and the initiatives to comfort those needy communities far, far away. What these numbers do not count are the multiple daily personal interactions and individual relationships Vincentians forge with their neighbours in need, that cut through isolation and instill hope for a brighter future. That is what makes our efforts invaluable. As long as the needs exist, the SSVP in Canada will persevere to serve our neighbours in hope. Philipe E. Blain, Executive Director COMMUNITY IMPACT REPORT | | Let’s have some fun growing the Chez Vincent subscribers group! | Together with representatives from each region across Canada and our National President, I’m serving on a new national Internal Communications Committee. Our goal is open and timely communication to, from and among Vincentians and staff across the country making members, other volunteers and staff feel welcome and valued as members of our national family. In pursuit of this goal, we’ve developed a three-year plan to move us forward. | One of our first tactics is a focused effort to have all members across the country sign up for our monthly national newsletter: Chez Vincent. And we’re going to have some fun with this! The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul Canada will donate $250 on behalf of one lucky new subscriber who signs up by July 15. The donation will go to the conference of their choice to help neighbours in need! | | You can increase the chances of your local conference receiving this donation, and earning bragging rights, by signing up yourself - if you currently have the newsletter forwarded to you, and by encouraging all your fellow Vincentians in your own local conference to sign up. It’s quick and easy – new subscribers just go to our national website ssvp.ca, scroll to the bottom right corner of the page, and click on “click here to sign up.” Each and every member across Canada can help us move toward our goal of ensuring Vincentians, staff and associates (those who assist with our mission) are well-informed about and can feel pride in how their service and efforts contribute to the Mission of SSVP from coast to coast to coast. And we sure hope you will! I can’t wait to see which conference will win the donation. Will it be your conference or mine? Nancy Saul-Demers, Chair
Internal Communications Committee (and a proud member of the St. Francis of Assisi Conference in Wolfville, Nova Scotia) | From Campus to Community:
Akayshia Paul Recognized for Her Dedication | The National Council of the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul is delighted to award this year's Emmanuel Bailly Scholarship to Akayshia Paul. As a student at the University of Calgary, Akayshia has been an active volunteer with the SSVP since 2018. Her passion for community service shines through her leadership role in her parish’s youth team and her commitment to delivering hampers with her local SSVP conference, St. Thomas More. | | Despite managing the demands of a concurrent degree in political science and elementary French education, Akayshia remains dedicated to volunteering and serving her community. She is recognized by others for her compassion, reliability, enthusiasm, and unwavering commitment to helping others. Through her ministry, Akayshia lives out the Christian values of empathy and service, recognizing that the mission of the Society of Saint Vincent De Paul is “about answering the call to love.” Reflecting on the essence of Christian service, she shares: "As Christians, we are called to be the hands and feet of Christ in the world. We are called to serve, not to be served. We are called to love without condition and extend mercy even when it is difficult." The Emmanuel Bailly Scholarship will support Akayshia as she continues her post-secondary journey, allowing her to focus on her studies, dedicate more time to volunteering, and pursue other future endeavors Victoria Goldsack, Youth Rep | | | Tales of Sea Cans Helping Neighbours:
the NORTH OF 60 Project Trucks on in the West Over the past couple years, the SSVP North of 60 project faced many challenges such as climate change, low river levels, fires, floods, river barge cancellations, increased trucking expenses, increased ocean barge expenses and a rise in inflation. The determination and resiliency of many, both locally and in the northern communities has formed a partnership that keeps the North of 60 Project strong. READ MORE | | | | Celebrating the Impact of Edmonton Vincentians: A Successful Gala Evening The recent Gala in Edmonton was a resounding success, bringing together 400 guests to celebrate the incredible work of our Vincentians and to raise vital funds to support their mission. Our keynote speaker, Sister Fay Trombley, SCIC, captivated the audience with heartfelt stories from her ministry in Arctic Canada. She spoke of the many changes in the North and how the Society's North of 60 Outreach Project has made a meaningful difference in the lives of those in remote communities. We invite you to watch a video presented at the Edmonton Gala, where you’ll hear three inspiring stories from individuals who have been supported by the SSVP. READ MORE | | | Red Dress Day - May 8, 2025, Kelowna BC May 8 was a beautiful, warm and sunny day which moved us to gather and pray for, remember and cry for Indigenous missing and murdered women. Each year the Kelowna Friendship sponsors this walk through downtown Kelowna from the Friendship Center to the Court House. This year over 500 people joined and followed Elder and Knowledge Keeper Dorothy Good Eye as she rode her scooter. Families carried posters with the name and pictures of their loved ones. Along the way there was drumming and singing the Woman song which most of us know and can join in. At the courthouse there was more drumming and the ceremonial planting of tobacco in the ground. We then walked back and enjoyed Bannock and cold drinks. Many Indigenous are new to this area but all are welcome. The original peoples are the Okangan Silyx. Many Vincentians were able to join. We encourage you all to look for events like this in your communities next year and walk together as our brother Jesus asked us to. | | SSVP St. Teresa's Conference, St. John's NL Our AGM was held end of May, in combination with a Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon of our 70 dedicated volunteers. New members were introduced, retiring members were lauded for their service, and reports that were tendered indicated a very successful year in all aspects. READ MORE | | Fred Synnott
St. Joseph Conference, Guelph, Ontario Fred Synnott, known as "Fix-It-Fred" by his many Vincentian Friends, has been working at the SSVP store and delivering food and store vouchers for over 30 years. He is dedicated to fixing items and to serving in any way he can. This calm, kind, cheerful soul gets along with everyone and is very considerate when doing home visits. He is very dependable and never misses a shift even during inclement weather. We at St. Joseph Conference, Guelph and our SSVP Store, are proud to nominate this friendly teddy for the Vincentian of the Month. | | We invite you to submit your nominations to recognize a Vincentian in our community whose work and dedication deserve to be celebrated. | Call to Bear Fruit You did not choose me but I chose you. And I appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask him in my name. I am giving you these commands so that you may love one another. (John 15:16-17) REFLECTION | | 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 | | | | |
