About St Vincent de Paul, Christchurch
The St Vincent de Paul Society is a voluntary international organisation of men and women who practice Christian charity by helping those in need on a personal and person-to-person basis. The aim of the Society is to help all people in any need regardless of their race, belief or circumstances. Hospital, prison and rest home visits are also part of our work.
SVdP was founded in 1833 after a young French university student, Frederic Ozanam was being challenged about his Catholic faith and about how the church showed its faith through it's good works. He and a small group of friends took up the challenge to show the fruits of their faith through good works in their community.
The organisation which became the Society of St. Vincent de Paul grew spread rapidly not just through France but internationally and was first established in New Zealand in 1868. It now has millions of members and volunteers throughout the world and thousands here in New Zealand.
Although the Organisation is committed to its Catholic spiritual roots it is open to volunteers and members of all backgrounds. There are small local groups called 'conferences' throughout our city, these are made up of members from primary and high school aged children, young adults and our older lifelong members.
SVdP was founded in 1833 after a young French university student, Frederic Ozanam was being challenged about his Catholic faith and about how the church showed its faith through it's good works. He and a small group of friends took up the challenge to show the fruits of their faith through good works in their community.
The organisation which became the Society of St. Vincent de Paul grew spread rapidly not just through France but internationally and was first established in New Zealand in 1868. It now has millions of members and volunteers throughout the world and thousands here in New Zealand.
Although the Organisation is committed to its Catholic spiritual roots it is open to volunteers and members of all backgrounds. There are small local groups called 'conferences' throughout our city, these are made up of members from primary and high school aged children, young adults and our older lifelong members.
More about us
Click here to go to the National Website and find out more general information about SVdP, about its history and structure here in New Zealand and throughout the world |
How you can help
To find out more about our local SVdP and how you can help out. Check out the following links Your Local SVdP Conference The Local SVdP Shops The Truck and Van Goods Pickup Team General Volunteering |
