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~ A drop in every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at the Loretta Hospitality Centre at 85 Stephen Street. We open at 9 am and have newspapers and hot drinks available.
~ A hot meal is served every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 11:15 and we remain open until 1 pm. for  socializing.
~ The warehouse is open these days from 9 - 1pm and has clothing, small household items, toys and books.
~ There is a Food Bank for emergency groceries and food vouchers for perishables such as milk.
~ We have a fund specifically for children's needs such as diapers or formula.
~ Finances permitting, we can help individuals and families with their rent, utilities, transportation, medical needs or work or school costs.
~ ALL services are  provided at no cost to those requiring them.

History:

~ The Society was incorporated in 1874.
~ Originally centered at St. Mary's Cathedral, it was operated by a priest.
~ In 1969 the Stephen Street Warehouse  was opened and a clothing and furniture exchange began.
~ On January 11, 1982, the Loretta Hospitality  Centre opened to provide hot meals.
~ In 1999 an addition to the Hospitality Centre allowed us to provide a safe, welcoming space.

Funding:

~ We receive funding from the United  Way but rely heavily on private donations. We are also beginning work on a fundraising campaign that will hopefully increase both public awareness of our  services and funding from individuals and groups.
~ Donations are gratefully received and receipts for tax purposes are provided.
~ Memberships to our organization are now available ($5 for individuals, $10 for groups).
~ Members of Kingston's Catholic Community continue to be one of our biggest supporters along with other churches, schools, businesses, groups and concerned individuals.

Participants:

~ The St. Vincent de  Paul Society provides  services to  anyone in need in the Kingston area. We have created a wonderful community down on Stephen Street where respect and caring for each other and the space are clearly evident. There is an Advisory Committee made up of interested participants allowing them a voice in the running of our organization. We celebrate occasions and have theme days.

Volunteers:

~ Obviously we could not provide the services we do without our wonderful volunteers. Volunteers plan, cook, and clean up after meals, clean the Hospitality Centre and Warehouse, pick up donations, fundraise on our behalf, sort clothes, shop, answer the phones, stock the Food Bank, submit articles for the newsletter, speak to interested groups, help with fundraising or sit on the Board of Directors or the Publicity and Fundraising Committee. In 2003 volunteers gave the St. Vincent de paul Society of Kingston 3932  hours of their time or the equivalent of $26,934.20 at miniimum wage)! We can always use enthusiastic volunteers with some time   to share!

In 2003,  we provided 5893 hot meals at an average of 95 cents per meal (soup, main course,  dessert and beverages), met 3380 emergency grocery requests in our Food  Bank, and were pleased to provide $17,077.73 in financial support for such things as rent, utilities, transportation, children's needs or medical needs! We are very proud of what we do with limited staffing and hours.

We work closely with other organizations and often share resources. We lend our Hospitality Centre (seating for 45 - 50 with full kitchen facilities) to interested groups and welcome and encourage barter. The "rental" has been paid with such varied things as photocopying or  coffee.