Giving out of rations to FINs during the COVID-19 crisis

Although masses have been suspended, SSVP continues to serve the poor by doing investigations on new applications, visiting existing FINs (Friends-In-Need) and giving out food and money to FINs. FINs need these continued assistance to purchase daily necessities for daily living, even more so when times are hard.

For the month of February, we would like to thank Fr Edward and Fr Leo, for assisting us in our ration programme to the FINs, despite there not being a second collection on the 1st Sunday, and we are very grateful to them for this.

In this ration day, we took the temperature of all FINs, volunteers and members, prepared masks and hand sanitisers, and ensured that contact is minimised via a "take-and-go" approach. We started at 9.30am, instead of the usual 11am, and ended around 12pm, and we went for a makan after.

As I interacted with the FINs, it fills me with a sense of fulfilment and duty, as they reciprocate with words of thanks and encouragement.

We would like to thank all members and volunteers for their generous time and effort in helping us out in this difficult period!

Weekly Meetings at SSVP Shop

We continue to have small group meetings at SSVP Shop at 501 Geyland Road, to review new applications and discuss on  existing FINs. As part of COVID-19 planning, we have about half the team going for each meeting, and have also opened up the channel for calling in via online meeting.

Chinese New Year Celebration

We celebrated Chinese New Year with members, auxiliary members, volunteers, Fr. Leo and Fr. Jerome at Sis. Linda's house. Fr. Jerome was a former Vincentian at our conference many years ago.

Members helping out with the sale of items at SSVP Shop

Since the opening of the SSVP Shop last year, conferences have been taking turns to help to mend the shop on weekends. This complements the tireless efforts of Sis. Florence and Bro. Robert who have spent much of their time at the shop at the warehouse. 

Attending the wedding of Bro. Raymond's daughter and visiting former FINs after

Because we are a family, we usually take the time to attend important events of fellow Vincentians. In particular, we congratulate Bro. Raymond on the wedding of this daughter. 

After that, we went to visit two former FINs, whom we are no longer aiding, but reside in homes. 

Attending the wake of Bro. Randall

Today we remember the passing of our former Vincentian Bro. Randall. I remember him as someone who is full of joy and always having the energy and passion in helping others. Let us keep him and his family in our prayers.

Vincentian fellowship at the nearby coffeeshop at Blk 73

Amidst our work every week, we find time once in awhile to eat and chill out together!

Lunch with Ministry Leaders of Church of the Risen Christ at Crossings Cafe

The afternoon was filled with laughter and good food as we interacted with the other ministries in the church. It is a reminder to us that SSVP is part of the church, and that every ministry needs to work with each other, and help each other, so that a strong community is built to last. 

Christmas Lunch for FINs at our church hall

This year, we threw a party for the FINs at our church hall. As we donned our Christmas hats, we helped FINs put on their Christmas hats and glasses too. They took home a nice memento of a picture that we took of them. We also sang songs with them. At the end of the event, we gave educational awards to students who did well in the past year. 

Celebration of our annual mass by Fr. Leo

Poster of Saint Vincent Paul in the Parish Hall

Bro. Alvin Michael helped to put together a poster on St Vincent De Paul, which is part of an exhibition in the Parish Hall of all the prominent Saints.

Giving out of tissue packets to raise awareness for SSVP Shop

We went around Toa Payoh, giving out tissue packets, to raise awareness of our SSVP Shop at 501 Geylang Road, which sells good second-hand items at very affordable prices.  All proceeds from the shop go towards helping the poor.