Mini Vinnies

Turning Concern into Action

The Society of St Vincent de Paul has been engaging with young people and education since its earliest days. Today the SVP England & Wales is pleased to highlight its continuing strong links with young people, through the development of its new ‘Mini Vinnies’ programme – a ground-breaking Primary Schools initiative, based on good work done in Australia, piloted in the Diocese of Shrewsbury, and which is seen as having, “the potential to significantly contribute to the future of our Society.”

‘Mini Vinnies’ are children aged between 7 to 11 (or younger) who, with the permission of their parents and the support of their Schools, are encouraged to embark on their first steps as possible ‘Vincentians for life’.

As Mini Vinnies, the youngsters have their own ‘treasured’ Prayer, Pledge and Badge, a dedicated website and a range of bright and colourful documents which guide them in their formative steps – helping and enabling them to become in every sense, young Vincentians – or ‘Mini Vinnies’.

At St Paulinus we were very excited to have our very first commissioned group in Autumn 2014 so it has become embedded in our school.

The Mini-vinnie Promise

As a member of Mini Vinnies,

I promise to make a difference to my world by:

Caring for, respecting and loving myself.

Strengthening my friendship with Jesus by talking to him each day and talking to others about him.

Caring for others in my school and community by being a friend to those who are alone, in need or in trouble.

Making my family happy by my help, respect and showing kindness and consideration.

Caring for and enjoying God’s world.

Treating others the way I would like them to treat

 

Throughout the academic year our Mini Vinnies:

  • attend special Diocesan masses and celebration events
  • make  cards for local residents and parishioners
  • organise a special Christmas concert for local housebound parishioners and neighbours in our Senior Citizens party
  • Promote Children in Distress Shoebox appeal within the school community
  • Promote CAUSE Foundation Hamper appeal during Advent within the school community
  • Support a ‘nearly new’ uniform stall to raise money for charity
  • Help to make and serve soup as part of CAFOD’s family fast day

For more information check the website here: https://svp.org.uk/mini-vinnies