HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Goderich Signal-Star, 2009-04-15, Page 5ti
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Goderich Signal -Star, Wednesday, April 15, 2009 - Page A5
The Time has Come
As the title suggests, we would like to have the opportunity
to inform our community and surrounding area as to the
extent of who and what St.Vincent de Paul is all about.
The Society has been operating in Goderich for more than 25 years. Although the Society is Catholic
based, religion has nothing whatsoever to do with what we do or what we offer for volunteering, accessing
our many services or who supports our endeavors. Jesus himself didn't ask if someone was a specific reli-
gion before he restored their sight and it's His example we try to follow.
A little known fact is that we also support disaster relief efforts such as during the Tsunami we were able
to send $25,000. We also support, both spiritually and financially, an educational home for unwed mothers
called Marillac Place in Kitchener.
Over the year3, we have had a tremendous amount of support from the community and local
businesses which we appreciate very much. Support ranges from donations of clothing, furniture,
appliances, food, as well as money in which to operate. Without such support we would not have the ability
to in turn support those in need to the extent that we have been doing.
Some examples of the areas in which we are blessed to be of service are:
• The food bank V Rent V Hydro d Heat V Eye care V Dental care s Medications
✓ Daily Soup Kitchen
*V Furniture/appliances/clothing for fire victims and victims of domestic violence
✓ Other services that are individualized based on unique needs
In light of the current economic turns, it is imperative that we band together so together we can help
and support each other through the uncertain days ahead. As the number of our client base increases so
does our need of your support. Already we have experienced a significant increase in clients who require
; : ` the food bank service. As an example, the single male who requires our help has increased by 30% from
fr > last year at this time.
For as many generous donors that have graced our doors with goodness, it is sad to say that we are
also experiencing a drastic rise in "donations" that are completely unusable. After hours, they
are leaving broken appliances, completely worn out furniture, urine -soaked mattresses, torn and stained
clothing, chipped, broken dishes, pots and pans that are literally rusted out, broken or missing handles, dried
up paint cans, electronics that don't work, worn out shoes, boots — some still with fresh barn dirt! These are
not rare or isolated events, but are now being seen on a daily basis.
We understand that the price of garbage disposal and now with the change in bag requirements are leaving
people frustrated, but we cannot help as many people with such a drastic increase in waste costs. To illus-
trate, the cost of our waste removal in 2008 was just under
$10,000.00! This is a considerable amount of money that
could have been used to feed a LOT of people! In the past,
we have overlooked many of these events, but cannot afford
to do *so any longer. The premises are under video surveil-
lance and, although in the past we have not pursued crimi-
nal charges, we are currently re-evaluating our existing
policies to get this under control. We have recently met with
the O.P.P. and discussed the situation with them and are
Truck Driver leasedtoknowwehavetheirsu orttohel
op): Steve brown - p PP P us
): gip van Osch - Store Manager resolve some of these negative situations.
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We alwa} s happy to answer any ques-
�''tions people may have about St. Vincent
de Paul and our services and are available to speak to groups at schools,
churches, community groups, etc. It is the blood, sweat and tears of many volunteers who
bring skills, dedication, and commitment to St. Vincent de Paul that makes this a family
of which I am proud to be a part of Our family of volunteers always has room for more
members — the main criteria is that they have a volunteer spirit, so bring that with you and
ask for an application from the cashier!
In closing, I would like to take the opportunity to thank each and every supporter for be-
ing so generous over the past year and hope that with God's blessings you will be able to
assist us in continuing to help others.
Barris - Pier* gerViC419 c°', Glenda Lawson -
Beck Row (tolt to 1110110t, May - cashiro0dtank ,
1094 ft***Aotto MaN i Pre m kx
President, Jim - Food f
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Pat Clifford, President
441 MacEwan, Street, Goderich. '. * • • • , , . t . —519-5244087