SVP distribute 5,000 Vinnie Packs, appeal for funds to provide more

London SVP distributing packs in Lincolns Inn Fields

As severe winter conditions continue throughout the UK - St Vincent de Paul (SVP) volunteers have distributed 5,000 cold weather survival packs to homeless people through their soup runs and church projects around the UK. They are now appealing for funds to provide more.

Although charities and social services are working round the clock to find accomodation for people on the streets, this year there has been a considerable increase of people sleeping rough in our cities.

The Vinnie Packs contain essentials for keeping warm outdoors, including a woolly hat, gloves, socks, toiletries, thermal blanket and information booklet. Last year, the SVP introduced the packs, giving out 1,000 in London. The initiative was praised by Archbishop Vincent Nichols who said at the time: "I know that sometimes people are reluctant to make a donation to homeless street sleepers. I am sure they will welcome being able to give a ‘Vinnie Pack’ as a way of helping people living on the streets of London. I thank the St Vincent de Paul Society for this imaginative initiative.”

Siobhan Garibaldi, Vice President of the Diocese of Westminster’s St Vincent de Paul Society, said: "Last year the packs went very quickly. Fortunately we were approached by a London firm, Arrow Communications, who sponsored and packed another 1,000 packs for us as a 'team building' exercise. They are going to help again, but the demand is so great that we are going to need more.

"If anyone would like to sponsor more packs, could you ask them to send donations to the SVP c/o Siobhan Garibaldi, 5 Park Road, Watford, WD17 QP. Please write 'Vinnie Packs on the back of the cheque. We would particularly welcome donations and support from companies."

For more information please contact Siobhan Garibaldi on 07929 490090 e-mail: siobhan.garibaldi@ntlworld.com