The Society of St. Vincent de Paul (“SVDP”) has been active in serving Goderich and area since 1983. The SVDP began with only six volunteers and a dream. It operated for only two hours each week in the beginning; by 1990, an expansion of the society was required due to high demand. The store currently has 45 volunteers and is open 6 days a week from 12pm to 4pm.
Although Catholic in character, the society is committed to serving all people’s needs regardless of religion, race, gender, financial situation, age, or abilities.
Since it’s inception, the volunteers and community have been working hard to ensure that the SVDP is well-serviced and able to meet the changing needs of the region. The Society constantly strives to renew and be adaptable. No work of charity is foreign to the Society.
The Goderich Society of St. Vincent de Paul is blessed to have a thrift store, soup kitchen, and food bank/family services. The food bank serves over 140 families (290 individuals) per month and the soup kitchen serves over 1,200 people per month.
There had been a lot of support for donations and need for large items that in July of 2013 a second store was opened on Parsons Court, named Parsons Used Furniture. Offering free pickups with the moving truck and two guys in the areas around Goderich, it makes donating most items as easy as a phone call and delivery is available as well, starting at $30.
Donations can be made at each store, respective to what they sell. However, only items in good, working condition (not broken, ripped, stained, odorous, etc.) will be accepted. Each store may decline certain donations if they either don’t meet our resale requirements or if they are overstocked on particular items.