From mid December onwards, SSVP Conferences around the country pulled out all the stops to bring some cheer and comfort to people in need in their communities. We are so proud of our Vincentians and their big, warm hearts. And so grateful to the many sponsors, donors and partners who supported them.
Below is a quick round up of some – but by no means all – the activities. In almost every community, Vincentians rolled up their sleeves to collect food items, sweets and toys – and packed them into bags, boxes and buckets to deliver to those in need. We acknowledge their efforts and the love that drives these actions. Thank you for sharing the spirit of the season with so many people who might otherwise have gone without.
In Gqeberha, St Augustine’s Cathedral SSVP members and the Women’s League came together on 16 December to host the church’s annual Christmas Lunch for those in need at McSherry Hall.
“It was truly humbling to serve around 100 of our brothers and sisters,” they said, “Providing them with a sumptuous warm meal and small parcels. None of this would have been possible without our dedicated team who quietly worked for weeks – planning, gathering donations, cooking, and serving with such care and love. This simple act of sharing a meal reminded us of the true spirit of Christmas. We’re thankful for everyone who contributed in any way – and for the opportunity to serve those who mean so much to us.”
Out of respect and to preserve our guests’ dignity, we were mindful not to photograph them, but rather the hands and hearts that came together to make this day possible.
Served with love – delicious desserts to round of the Christmas lunch.
At San Salvadore in Leondale, 47 excited children received party packs, while their families were blessed with food parcels to see them through the festive season.
In Ladysmith, Regina Pacis joined forces with Food for Life to extend their reach – serving cooked meals and distributing food parcels for Christmas. They also delivered new school uniforms to children in need, bringing huge smiles to the kids faces and quiet relief to their parents.
Germiston parish packed 74 food parcels with items donated by parishioners during Advent. The parcels were distributed to families in need in the area. In Northriding, SSVP youth helpled pack 800 parcels for the Klipgat community.
Over 400 people were served a cooked meal and given gifts at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Malvern. As part of the parish Advent gifting, the conference was able to hand out 120 men’s gift bags and 70 women’s gift bags – each prepared with care to bring comfort, dignity, and a reminder of hope during this blessed season.
Older people were not left out either. Mater Dolorosa Kensington SSVP conference delivered Christmas hampers to the residents of the old age homes where they provide weekly Friday meals. It was a privilege to spread a little festive cheer and remind our elders that they are loved, valued, and remembered during this special season.
East Rand conference members spent time with the children at John Wesley Home in Etwatwa, Daveyton – bringing along sweets, drinks, and toys to brighten their day.
In Namaqualand, the Sacred Heart Conference supported our Back-to-School campaign with enthusiasm. Not only did they distribute new school shoes and uniforms, they also worked together to donate much needed books and pens to the three local school in their community – Sacred Heart and St Cyprians primary schools and the Namaqualand Highschool/Hoerskool.
At Geluksdal on the East Rand, bags of essentials were handed out, together with fresh fruits and vegetables. Not your average Christmas gifts, these humble parcels gave so many people hope to get them through the holidays.
