SAINTLY CITIZENS

St Vincent de Paul in his time was labelled the "Patron Saint of the poor". Living on a small farming property with his father, he worked on the land most of his early years until he set out to fulfil his dream of priesthood.

In 1605 St. Vincent de Paul was captured by Turkish Pirates while on a sea voyage and sold along with the ships crew into the slave market.

The first St Vincent de Paul complex dates all the way back to 1911. The Response Centre is one of many sites in and around the Ballarat area. It is currently situated in Ballarat North.

The staff and volunteers of St Vincent de Paul are mainly helping families, unemployed people and single parents by finding out what there needs are. They assist them with essential items such as food vouchers, petrol costs, clothing and furniture. Once a week the volunteers also deliver bread donated from Bakers Delight to people in need of assistance.

St. Vincent de Paul assist people that have a Health Care card or people on a pension, but can help other families if they phone and ask for assistance. St. Vincent de Paul will greatly appreciate any donations.

Derrick Gray
Youth@bility Reporter