Vincent was born poor and in the beginning he wanted to be rich. This was why he first became a priest!
Later he changed his mind and decided to spend his life helping the sick and mentally-ill, orphans and old people, beggars and the starving, prisoners and galley slaves.
Vincent’s life is a great reminder for us all to find ways to help those around us.
The Society of St Vincent de Paul has been engaging with young people and education since its earliest days. Today the SVP England & Wales is pleased to highlight its continuing strong links with young people, through its ‘Mini Vinnies’ programme – a ground-breaking Primary Schools initiative, based on good work done in Australia, piloted in the Diocese of Shrewsbury, and which is seen as having, “the potential to significantly contribute to the future of our Society.”
The Mini Vinnies consist of children across several year groups. They meet regularly throughout the school year to establish which charities the school will support and organise fundraising activities. The Mini Vinnies have organised lots of different activities over the years and supported countless charities. Examples include:
Food Collections – The Mini Vinnies collate all the food items and prepare them for collection. Various food banks have benefitted from the food collections and have been extremely grateful to our school community.
Refugee Appeals – The Mini-Vinnies collect clothes and toiletries for families coming to the UK. They make posters to advertise the collection and spread the word to our school community by writing something for the school newsletter. They help to store the bags that come into school and donate lots of clothes and blankets themselves.
Advent / Lenten Fundraising – The Mini Vinnies organise the selling of a variety of items to raise money. This includes head warmers and gloves during Advent and purple ribbons during Lent.
Poppy Appeal – The Mini Vinnies take a lead in selling poppies to the school community on the lead up to Remembrance Day.
The Bishop Wilkinson Catholic Education Trust is an exempt charity. It is a company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales under company registration number 07890590. The registered office address is Bishop Wilkinson Catholic Education HQ, Barmston Court, Turbine Business Park, Nissan Way, Washington, SR5 3NY
