SOCIETY OF ST VINCENT De PAUL CUSHENDALL
HISTORY
SVP is an International Registered Charity (No XN45800). Established over 160 years ago, it has approximately one million members representing 113 different countries. It is a Non-Sectarian Organisation; Membership is voluntary and open to all denominations or none. the sole purpose of our existence is to befriend the poor and disadvantaged, and where possible to alleviate their suffering.
Our beneficiaries come from all classes and creeds with our distinction, the only qualification is need. Since the advent of the New Social Fund, we have noticed a considerable increase in the number of referrals from the DSS who have fallen through the Welfare State Safety-Net. The rules of our Society are enshrined to ensure that 100% of our income from whatever source (Donations, Legacies, Collections etc.) is passed directly to the needy, while administrative costs and expenses must be met from the contributions of Society Members.
Each local branch is autonomous and self-financing, and Cushendall Conference, has a particularly proud record of serving the community. Our help to the poor and underprivileged takes many forms: Emergency, Financial Assistance, Food, Clothing, Furniture, Fuel, Gas, Electricity, Holidays, Outings and Entertainment.
AIMS
At present SVP are closely associated with the following important Local Groups, ACE Administration; Pre-School Play group, Mother & Toddlers, Youth Football Group, Senior Citizen Social Group, over 50's Club. We provide an essential transport service to the Association, however our present minibus although viable, can't cater for wheel-chairs, nor is it fitted with safety-belts (shortly to become compulsory). At present we are in the process of extending our transport service by liaisons with the Medical Centre to pick-up the elderly, Mother & Child, or the Farming Community when no transport is available. We also intend to instigate a service twice-weekly to Antrim Hospital (25 miles distant) for visitors or Outpatients. Once we have obtained a new bus and ensured the viability of its operation, we shall select a Committee from our Associate Groups to Supervise the Project.