We all know the need for food security and additional assistance continues to increase across the country! So how do we respond? The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul members and volunteers continue having personal encounters with neighbours in need, listening to them and helping as needed. | | It is important to focus on the relational encounters with our neighbours in need and not simply have transactional encounters, where food help is provided or dropped off without engaging in meaningful conversations. It is easier to do things faster to have more encounters, but are we really making a difference when we do not take the time to have an impactful interaction? I recently had a personal encounter with a homeless lady at the SSVP Thrift Store where I volunteer in London, Ontario. She recognized me from previous visits to the store. She asked if we could provide clothing which, of course, we could. As she was browsing, she started sharing information with me about her current situation and I listened. She would share a bit, then stop the conversation, then she shared more; this went on for about 20 minutes. She needed someone to listen at that moment. Once she selected her clothing and put it on in the change room, she showed me her new outfit. I commented on how lovely she looked. She thanked me and gave me a hug. I could have gone about the other work that needed to be done; listening to her in that moment was more important, responding to her as needed; that made a difference for her then. Every act of kindness, however small, is a gateway to transformation. Everyone we encounter deserves respect and dignity. Our mission is not only to “help” but to see, listen and walk with that individual. Let every encounter inspire us to grow in love. May every transformation we experience in our encounters when serving our brothers and sisters deepen our commitment to justice and mercy, bringing compassion to our communities and our world. Let us slow down, look around and see. Compassion starts by truly seeing faces. Wherever you go, make eye contact. If you are met with a smile, celebrate! If you are met with a grumpy stare, know that you made a difference and found someone who needed a smile that day! I attended an American SSVP meeting in Panama in October, a great opportunity to hear about the good work SSVP is doing in other countries in North America, Central America and South America. For more information, check out the article below in this bulletin. Linda Dollard, National President | 2026 Annual National Formation - Save the Dates! | The Annual National Formation (ANF) will take place in Halifax, NS, from Thursday, June 25 to Saturday, June 27, 2026, at Mount Saint Vincent University. It will be an extraordinary event as we come together to celebrate 180 years of the SSVP in Canada! The team is already preparing an inspiring program with engaging speakers, informative workshops, and plenty of opportunities to connect with fellow Vincentians from across the country. Keep an eye on our Chez Vincent Bulletin for updates and all the exciting details as they unfold! | Make This Giving Tuesday Count! | On December 2 the fundraising world with be swirling with Giving Tuesday (GT) initiatives. GT was established as a day to “give back”, on the first Tuesday after US Thanksgiving, to counteract the “Black Friday” retail shopping frenzy and “Cyber Monday” online promotions. So, on Tuesday after days of feasting and shopping, we reflect on where our riches can be directed to “do good”. | | For the SSVP, GT is an opportunity to reach out to donors. If your conference or council is considering joining in, below are a few strategies: - Early “prompting”: Send out teaser reminders that GT is coming mid month, and the week leading up to December 2.
- Multiple incursions: you may send out 2 or 3 emails on the GT day, starting with the appeal, and then reminders mid and / or late day.
- Follow up contact: some will send out a reminder a few days later to donors who didn’t participate.
A good tactic is to get a major donor or sponsor to participate in a matching program. For every dollar the donor sends, the sponsor will match one to one, sometimes up to certain level. During a day filled with heightened awareness of fundraising, it can provide added incentive for donors to contribute. You can also approach your parish and suggest an announcement for its Sunday, November 30th bulletin. We have included a message and a custom logo for the SSVP's Giving Tuesday (image shown in this article) on our website. Visit: ssvp.ca/members/resources/giving-tuesday. Happy fundraising! | How do you want to be remembered?
Ensure Your Values Last More Than A Lifetime | November is Make a Will Month, highlighting the importance to create or update your estate planning documents. Many of us spend a lifetime earning, saving, and giving back. But when it comes to what happens after we’re gone, too often we leave our legacy to chance. | | Why work your whole life to build financial security - but not plan how it will reflect your values after you’re gone? The benefits of planning ahead are clear: - Peace of mind, a deep sense of fulfillment and well-being
- Reduced family conflict
- Ensuring your legacy reflects your faith and values
- Maximized financial and tax benefits for yourself, your heir and the SSVP
Through a legacy gift to the SSVP your life’s work and your values will extend your service of love and hope. Let your legacy feed the hungry, clothe the cold, and uplift the forgotten - today and tomorrow. Your values can live on - in action. More information on our website: ssvp.ca/planned-donations/ | Transforming Moments into Stories:
Your Social Media Guide | Vincentians across Canada consistently witness meaningful moments of transformation. Social media allows us to share these special moments with the community and Vincentians. This social media guide is intended to help conferences communicate with clarity, purpose, and fidelity to Vincentian values. Storytelling on these platforms strengthens transparency, builds connection, and brings the Vincentian spirit to life online. Victoria Goldsack, Youth Representative
National Council of Canada | | SSVP’s 3rd Annual Designer Purse Bingo – A Sold-Out Success! On Friday, October 3rd, the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul Hamilton/Hamilton-West hosted its third annual Designer Purse Bingo, and it was a night to remember! With a sold-out crowd of 389 guests, we raised and incredible $22,000! The evening was filled with excitement, great food, great fun, and fantastic prizes. Thanks to the generosity of local businesses, guests enjoyed a wide variety of door prizes throughout the night – over 70 prizes won! In the spirit of giving, attendees also donated over 140 gently used purses to support our SSVP Thrift Stores – a true mountain of generosity! Thank you to everyone who made the event such a success. We’re already looking forward to next year’s Purse Bingo! | From Canada to Colombia: A Twinning that Changes Lives The Saint Vincent de Paul Conference of Abejorral (Antioquia, Colombia) shares the main actions carried out thanks to the support of the York South Particular Council, its twinning partnership. Home visits Members continue to make monthly home visits to the families they assist, offering support, companionship, and a better understanding of their needs. Young Vincentians’ activities The youth group organized an activity with beneficiaries, sharing a snack (rice pudding and cookies) and an afternoon of games and fellowship - continuing the legacy of Blessed Frédéric Ozanam. READ MORE | | Ken McClintock, St. Ignatius Conference, Halifax Particular Council Ken’s more than ten years of service as a Vincentian have been truly outstanding. From volunteer to conference president, to council VP, an engineer by trade, Ken then took on his greatest challenge. His last three years have been devoted to Ozanam Place. This deeply affordable, supportive, permanent housing project will allow 38 homeless folks aged 50+ to live with dignity. Since inception, Ken has not only been involved but has taken the lead on all aspects of the initiative. | | Through countless hours and numerous setbacks, Ken worked tirelessly to push the project from design,to funding, to construction, and finally to completion. As the occupants begin to move in, Ken can now fully appreciate the fruits of his labor. It is no exaggeration to say that without Ken, there would be no Ozanam Place. His guiding principle has been to provide permanent affordable housing. The Halifax Particular Council joins Ken in celebrating this amazing accomplishment. Ken's remarkable commitment serves as an inspiration to all Vincentians. He epitomizes the mission and values of the Society. Ken, thank you for your incredible contributions! | We invite you to submit your nominations to recognize a Vincentian in our community whose work and dedication deserve to be celebrated. | Being Ready and Hopeful in a Time of Transition Keep awake therefore, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming… Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an unexpected hour. (Matthew 24:42, 44) Christ calls us to be aware and to be ready for His return. We await Him with hope! REFLECTION | | VII Ibero-American Meeting of the SSVP in Panama, under the theme “Bringing Hope” | From October 30 to November 2, Panama City opened its arms to the speakers and National Presidents of the SSVP from South America, Central America and the Caribbean, joined by delegations from the USA, Canada, Spain, and Portugal. READ MORE | | Question & Answer Twinning: What is it and how does it work? | | Twinning is the main international work of solidarity of the SSVP. It connects conferences and councils in Canada with those in emerging countries, entrusted to Canada by the International General Council of the SSVP, to share friendship, faith, and financial support. Through this fraternal partnership, vulnerable communities can improve their living conditions (food, housing, education, health) and carry out essential projects such as access to clean water, agriculture, housing, and services for children and the elderly. Twinning is more than material aid: it is a human bond that restores dignity and hope, while strengthening the presence and mission of the SSVP worldwide. Funds are sent by the National Council of Canada to the higher councils of our twinning partners in February, August and November, funds must be received at the national office no later than the 1st of the month. The minimum amount sent per year is $400, and the maximum amount is $4000. Looking for a twinning partner? Fill out this form to get started. For more information, visit our website: ssvp.ca/members/committees/twinning-resources/ A Q&A webinar on twinning will be held on Saturday January 24, 2026, 1 pm Eastern time in English, and on Wednesday March 11, 2026, 7 pm Eastern time, in French. Stay tuned for the next issue of the Bulletin for full details and the registration link. | 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 | | | | |
