Domestic Violence: You Can Help
The Cause
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul for the Relief of Poverty (Edmonton Particular Council) is a social justice organization that has been serving the disadvantaged in the Capital Region of Alberta since 2000. We are part of a worldwide movement that currently operates in 155 countries, where we offer short term relief and a 'hand up' towards a better life. Our organization runs exclusively on the energy and labour of over 600 volunteers and is supported financially by donations, proceeds of periodic charity sales and support from community-minded organizations and charitable foundations.
Our mandate is to serve and minister to all those in need, regardless of creed, ethnic or social background, health, gender, or any other societal delineation; and to promote their dignity by serving with love, respect, justice and joy and without judgement. To accomplish our mandate, we:
- Provide furniture and household goods which are picked up and redistributed at no cost to those in need;
- Operate a clothing room that provides access to free clothing 5 days per week;
- Deliver food hampers giving food for those unable to access the Edmonton food bank (on an emergency basis);
- Make non-judgmental home visits to ascertain the needs of our clients; and
- Run a Distribution Centre for the storage and sorting of donated goods.
In 2018 we helped 6,422 children and adults. We are all volunteers and we donated 78,737 hours with a $1,181,055 value.
We have received an increase in calls from those fleeing domestic violence. Our idea is to provide the basic necessities to build a "Home", dedicated to those fleeing domestic violence, where they can heal and rebuild their lives free from violence and abuse.
Who Will it Benefit?
This idea will benefit five families that are fleeing domestic violence. The importance of a safe and comfortable "Home" can not be overstated. Last month we received a call from a mother with three children. She had been in a shelter and had just rented an apartment. The apartment was empty except for 2 air mattresses, 2 blankets and 4 backpacks holding personal goods. They did not even have a knife or a fork or a plate. The next day we were able to supply household goods to them such as dinnerware and cutlery and glasses from our donated inventory but were unable to supply a table and chairs or beds.