St Vincent de Paul in Taranaki
Have you heard of this Organisation??
They are here in New Plymouth, and they are more than their shop in Fitzroy. In South Taranaki the shop is in High Street, Hawera. These shops are there to help support the amazing work that they do in the community to support those in need – including providing clothing and furniture assistance, providing weekly community meals as well as providing support for individuals and families experiencing hardship.
The Society of St Vincent de Paul is an international Catholic lay organisation inspired by the gospel of Jesus Christ. Their Mission is to work to provide person to person, practical and effective help to those in need, sharing their burdens and joys, sewing seeds of hope and promoting human dignity, justice and self-sufficiency, working in a caring and practical manner to promote human dignity and justice through personal contact with those in need.
When I started my investigation for this column the name of the Founder Frederic Ozanam rang a bell and so checked and yes Ozanam house in Palmerston North was the brainchild of Palmerston North society members who when doing their hospital visits realized that there was a need for a home where relatives of out-of-town patients could stay. So in 1967 they purchased a comfortable four bedroomed home a few meters from the hospital and as we know this is still going – now operated by and independent trust board. However, this shows the compassion the Organisation and its people have for others.
In the words of the Founder Federic Ozanam “In my life I want to become better and do a little good”.
Locally here in Taranaki there has been a conference for over 100 years and are very fortunate to have two op shops operated by St Vincent de Paul Hawera and Fitzroy which are both open Monday – Friday 10am – 3.00pm. The funds raised contribute to the amazing work that is done in the community as well as repurpose items for another life.
The community meal on a Tuesday night at St Joseph’s Hall is another project that St Vincent de Paul provides. This is a project that the younger members of the society, young Vinnies participate in, and you can see them at work in the kitchen and serving.
The amazing team also supports other community organisations who are helping those who need extra support. They are always keen to have new people to join the team and there are a variety of skills to be learnt or to be utilized in the work that these amazing people achieve for our community.
If you are interested to learn more about the work of St Vincent de Paul listen to Volly Voices on Access Radio 104.4FM on April 28th at 2pm and repeated on May 5th also at 2pm where Kevin Hartfield - coordinator chats about their work locally.
This can also be listened to after April 30th, 2024 on:
Spotify: open.spotify.com...
Apple Podcast: podcasts.apple.com...
Access Radio website: www.accessradiotaranaki.com...
Volunteering New Plymouth website: www.volunteeringnewplymouth.org.nz...
If you are curious to learn more about any of the activities and / or you are interested in becoming a volunteer with St Vincent de Paul please contact Wendy at Volunteering New Plymouth on 06 758 8986, email: admin@vnp.nz or Ph/Text 022 571 4228 to take the next step.
Poll: Are our Kiwi summer holidays helping us recharge, or holding the economy back? ☀️🥝
There’s growing debate about whether New Zealand’s extended Christmas break (and the slowdown that comes with it) affects productivity.
Tracy Watkins has weighed in ... now it’s your turn. What’s your take? 🤔
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72.9% We work hard, we deserve a break!
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16.1% Hmm, maybe?
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11% Yes!
Secure your homes over summer
Police are reminding people to keep their homes secure during the summer months.
Inspector Glenda Barnaby, Christchurch Area Prevention manager, says daytime burglaries are just as common as nightime burglaries.
“Burglaries can be committed at any time of the day, and coming into warmer months there is more opportunity for thieves."
"Although a majority of burglaries involve forced entry through windows and doors, we are starting to see more incidents at insecure premises. Police deal with cases where burglaries are committed in broad daylight, sometimes even while the victim is at home. Good weather means open doors and windows, which makes homes more vulnerable to burglars.”
Inspector Barnaby says there’s a few things people can do to reduce their changes of a burglary being committed.
⚠️ If you’re going outside for gardening, relaxing in the sun, or working in the garage, take a moment to lock your doors and secure your windows first.
⚠️ Do the same at night when you go to bed - keep your doors and windows secure and close your curtains. Fitting window stays means you can get a breeze coming through, while keeping your windows secure.
⚠️ Get to know your neighbours - let them know if you’re going away and look out for one another.”
If you see any suspicious activity, people or vehicles in your neighbourhood, don't hesitate to contact Police.
If you witness or suspect any illegal activity, please call 111 if it is happening now, or make a report through 105 either online or over the phone, if it is after the fact.
Boxing Day Mega Bed Sale is now on!
Hey neighbors,
Our Boxing Day Mega Sale has officially started and the savings are some of the biggest you’ll see all year. If you’ve been waiting for the right time to upgrade your bed or mattress, this is your chance. The deals have already started moving quickly across our 31 stores.
Boxing Day Highlights:
• Up to 65% OFF selected NZ-made beds
• TEMPUR sets with special Boxing Day pricing
• Sealy Posturepedic mattress-only deals
• Free Delivery
• Free Premium Pillows and Free Size Upgrades on select beds
• Daily Knockout Deals
Customers have already started securing their favourites and several models are moving faster than expected.
Once these Boxing Day offers end, they will not return.
Find your nearest Beds4U store: beds4u.co.nz...
Browse all Boxing Day deals: beds4u.co.nz...
Don’t wait, Neighbours. Stocks won’t last long.
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