Who We Are

Serving with Dignity and Love

SSVP London is Committed to Helping the Poor.

The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul is a Catholic lay charity organization. The primary goal and purpose of the Society, its members, staff, volunteers, and benefactors are to:

• Serve and minister to all the poor, making no distinction because of creed, ethnicity, social background, health, gender, or political opinions.

• To promote their dignity in accordance with Christian values and the philosophy of the Society.

SSVP London is committed to helping the poor in the London community. Our main service is the distribution of food, furniture, and clothing vouchers to those in need. These vouchers are then redeemed for the corresponding necessities at our 585 York Street thrift store.

SSVP London is the London Particular Council of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. We serve 13 parishes in London and the surrounding area. The council’s role is to coordinate activities of the parishes, serve the conferences by furthering charitable activities, and encourage continuity in serving the poor.

For more information about us visit the SSVP Ontario Regional Council website

Our Mission

To live the gospel message by serving Christ in the poor with love, respect, justice, and joy.

Meet Our People

Our Board of Directors is made up of dedicated Vincentians, committed community members and conference presidents who volunteer their time, experience, and compassion to help guide the work of the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul in London.

Board Members

- Sharon Wright-Evans, President
- Brian Sinasac, Vice President
- Lorraine Thompson, Vice President
- Isabel Lynch, Secretary
- Trevor Holness, Treasurer
- Colleen Jones
- Larry McKenzie
- Ivan Fernando Torres
- Manny Morais
- Teresa Curtis
- Jim Paddon
- Russell Benner
- John Gruggen
- John Ketelaars
- Brian Parsons
- Sheila Craig
- Theresa O'Leary
- Lillian Mulder

The London Particular Council of the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul supports parish-based Conferences throughout the Diocese of London.

The London Particular Council is led by a Council President who works closely with Conference Presidents and volunteers to fulfill our mission of charity and justice.

LPC Presidents

- All Saints, Ivan Fernando Torres
- Holy Cross, Manny Morais
- Holy Family, Sharon Wright-Evans
- Mary Immaculate, Teresa Curtis
- St. Andrew, Jim Paddon
- St George, Steve Cashen
- St. John the Divine, Conrad Marcotte
- St. Justin, John Gruggen
- St Mary, John Ketelaars
- St. Patrick, Brian Parsons
- St Peter, Sheila Craig
- St. Michael, Theresa O'Leary
- St. Louise de Marillac, Lillian Mulder

The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul London operates community-based thrift stores that not only provide affordable household goods, clothing, and furniture, but also serve as vital social enterprises that fund local outreach programs. Our stores are staffed by a dedicated team of individuals who are passionate about serving others with compassion, respect, and dignity.

From retail operations to logistics and client services, each member of our team plays a key role in ensuring our mission is fulfilled every day, supporting both the community and the individuals who rely on us.

Thrift Store Leadership

- Judy Mepstead, Store Manager

Committees of the Board are a vital part of the governance framework of the London Particular Council. Each committee provides a focused connection between the Board of Directors, parish-based Conference and the outreach and housing programs under LPC’s stewardship. Through these committees, we ensure transparency, collaboration, and mission-driven decision-making.

Current LPC Committees

Executive chair: Sharon Wright-Evans
Store chair: Colleen Jones
Affordable Housing chair: Larry Mckenzie
Social Justice chair: Jim Paddon
Youth chair: Lillian Mulder

Society of Saint Vincent de Paul London Particular Council

Our History

The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul has been serving neighbours in need across London and surrounding communities for over a century, providing direct support, material aid, and compassionate outreach through our parish-based Conferences, thrift stores, and affordable housing initiatives.

The Society’s global mission began in 1833 when Frédéric Ozanam, a young university student in Paris, and his peers were challenged to live their faith through action. Inspired by the life of Saint Vincent de Paul, a 17th-century priest known for his service to the poor, they created a simple but powerful model of person-to-person outreach. Their legacy has grown into an international organization active in more than 130 countries, with over one million volunteer members.

In Canada, the Society’s roots date back to 1846 with the first Conference in Quebec, led by Dr. Joseph Painchaud. By 1850, the movement had reached Ontario with the founding of the first Conference in Toronto. In London, our work continues through the London Particular Council, which coordinates local Conferences and programs dedicated to offering hope, dignity, and support to anyone in need.

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Society of Saint Vincent de Paul
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Registered Charitable Number: 1324 10671 RR0159

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