Saint Vincent de Paul puts out nationwide appeal for volunteers

The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul (SVP), which has a large presence on the ground in Waterford, has launched a national campaign seeking volunteers.The organisation says that during 2021, over 191,000 calls for help were made to SVP throughout the country. This is up 12% on 2020, and the highest on record for the Society.

WLR has seen first hand that the need is greater than ever, with the radio station raising over €100,000 in December for Saint Vincent de Paul in Waterford through its annual Christmas Appeal.

Who is Saint Vincent de Paul looking for?

As the Society prepares for a full return to home visitations the national campaign for volunteers will primarily focus on over 900 Visiting Conferences (branches) throughout the country, 15 of which are in Waterford city and county. But volunteers are also being sought to help in shops, social housing, tech support, and with children and family services. Training will be provided and the time commitment, while variable, is usually between three and five hours weekly.

There are also branches of Vincent's, the SVP shops, in Waterford City, Dungarvan, Tramore and Portlaw. The recruitment campaign theme is You know who you are - But we don’t. In launching it the SVP National President Rose McGowan said;

The characteristics required of our volunteers include; kindness, compassion, discretion, respect and being non-judgemental.

More here on how to apply to become an SVP volunteer.