Vincent de Paul Society (Trinity College, Dublin)

The Vincent de Paul Society (commonly known as Trinity VDP) is a student chartable society in Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland. Its members volunteer in Dublin's inner city in over twenty charitable activities which are aimed at helping those who are less off. It is one of the largest societies in Trinity College, with roughly 2,500 members.

History

The Vincent de Paul Society was founded over twenty years ago. Since then it has grown enormously into one of Trinity's largest societies. Its oldest activity is the Trinity Club which provides a social club for young adults with learning disabilities such as chromosome abnormalities. Kids' Club is another one of the longest standing activities, going strong for over 20 years.

Activities

The Vincent de Paul Society runs over twenty activities. They cover a diverse range helping people young and old in a number of different ways. Volunteers are Garda Vetted and go through a child protection course, provided by the National Society of St.Vincent de Paul. Some of the activities include the following:

Childrens' Clubs

Students go into local primary schools, over times a week and help the children in a range of fun and educational fields, from art, dance, drama, music, homework and, most recently, basic literacy. On the weekend, VDP also runs Kids' Club where students take children from a local flats on a weekly fun day.

Homeless Care

Two of VDP's activities, the Soup Run and the Homeless Day Centre, involve students providing local homeless people in the surrounding area with basic clothes, food, blankets etc.

Visitations

Some students volunteer by visiting those in need of more social interaction. The people they visit include the elderly or people with disabilities in a cheshire home.

Classes

Training courses are offered to members to better themselves in their activity and in life. In conjunction with the Sign Language society VDP provides a class in basic sign language

Flat Decorating

Students go into people's homes to clean, tidy and paint. Volunteers claim even the smallest difference is much appreciated.

El Camino de Santiago

Every year, over 30 student members walk 100 kilometers through the hills and forests of northern Spain over a week. The path they take is known as the Camino de Santiago. This is the only activity which raises money for people abroad. The money has in the past been donated to St.Vincent de Paul Societies in Africa.

Fundraising Events

The running of so many activities requires a team of fundraisers. Lead by the Vice-President of Fundraising, the society organise events to raise money and awareness. In the past they have had nights out, concerts, street collection days, bingo nights, and many more.

Membership

VDP is one of the very few societies in Trinity which is completely free to join. To get involved, students can talk to VDP activity leaders at their annual Freshers Week stand and/or then they come to the a information night. Students are welcomed to join anytime during the academic year.