Vincent de Paul Society (Trinity College, Dublin)
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Executive Committee of 2016/2017 | |
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Website: www.trinityvdp.com | |
| President | Sam McMahon |
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| Activities | Philip King |
| Fundraising | Niamh Carruthers |
| Treasurer | Heather O'Reilly |
| Secretary | Kate Cox |
| Volunteer Liaison | Tom O'Malley |
| Public Relations | Eleanor Brayden |
The Trinity College Vincent de Paul Society (stylised as trinity VDP) is a student charitable 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 in need. It is one of the largest societies in Trinity College, with over 7,500 members.[1]
History
The Trinity Vincent de Paul Society was established in 1975.[2] 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. Kids' Club is another one of the longest standing activities, going strong for over 20 years.[3] The society won the award for Best Overall Society three times. A record held with the Orchestral Society and DU Players.[4]
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 vetted through the Garda Síochána and go through a child protection course, provided by the National Society of St. Vincent de Paul.[5] Some of the activities include the following:
Children's 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.[6]
Fundraising Events
The running of so many activities requires a team of fundraisers. Led 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 an information night. Students are welcomed to join any time during the academic year.
References
- ↑ The Record, Students Union Newspaper of Trinity College, Dublin|http://www.therecord.ie/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=76&Itemid=26
- ↑ "Societies and Other Institutions" (PDF). University of Dublin Calendar - Part 1 (PDF). Dublin: Trinity College, Dublin. 2006. p. U13. Retrieved 2007-05-05.
- ↑ http://issuu.com/trinitynews/docs/tn1-20high-20res-20issue-206/8
- ↑ "Trinity News - Issue 10" (issuu). Dublin: DU Publications. 2009. p. 5. Retrieved 2009-09-02.
|chapter=ignored (help) - ↑ tcdvdp.org/
- ↑ Annual Magazine 2009-2000, Published by ThinkMedia http://issuu.com/denhams/docs/trinity-vdp-09-10
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