What We Do

Words into Action

Your generous donation will continue to support the charitable works done within our parish community and elsewhere. 100% of your contribution reaches the hands of those in need.

Let Us Go To the Poor

Throughout the year volunteers of our parish conference make over 520 home visits to individuals and families (including about 300 children) providing emergency food, food vouchers, clothing and furniture. We also pay visits to people in hospitals, nursing homes and prisons.

At Christmas we provide extra help to more than 125 needy families by delivering food baskets, clothing and toys to small children. Annually we hold a Christmas dinner/party for the less fortunate. More than 50 adults and 90 children attend this event.

In the Toronto area over 65,000 people are visited in their homes each year by 1168 volunteer members organized in 120 working groups known as “Conferences’ (generally parish based, but autonomous from the church.) In 2003 they distributed $2.6 million in emergency aid through the Home Visitation Program and an additional $375,000 for Christmas Assistance Programs.

A basic principle of the society is that after local needs are met, any excess funds are spent where the needs are greatest. (Ex. If an area experiences a natural disaster, in Canada or elsewhere, our national office forwards funds to local St Vincent de Paul volunteers in order to assist with these emergencies.)

St. Vincent de Paul

Patron Saint
St. Vincent de Paul

1581-1660

Donate to The Society of St. Vincent de Paul

100% of donations are used to help those in need in our community.
Thank you and God Bless.

Toronto Area Special Programs Offered

Addiction Recovery Facilities

Ozanam House is a 12-bed facility provides transition accommodation and support for men recently discharged from a detoxification unit and waiting entry into an addiction treatment program. Learn more about Ozanam House
VincenPaul Community Homes provides men and women recovering from addiction with the support and encouragement needed to build a new life. There are 13 homes throughout Metro, 4 homes are for longer treatment for up to 3 years. Learn more about VincenPaul Community Homes

Fredric House ia s 82-bed facility for “methadone treatment” opened recently.

Community Living Facilities

Permanent Housing, providing residential care and support for developmentally handicapped adults. Learn more about DePaul Vincent House

Care Homes

St.Francis Residence is a home for 24 men and women who have experienced mental illness and require the care and support of a nurturing, residential setting. Learn more about St. Francis Residence

Women's Shelters

The St. Clare’s Residence is a 28 bedroom supportive housing facility for women in need. Learn more about St. Clare’s Residence
Elisa House offers a 38-bedoom emergency housing for homeless women. Learn more about Elisa House
Mary’s Home is a 38- bed facility for women in need for emergency housing in the downtown core. Learn more about Mary’s Home
Amelie House offers a 20 long-term transitional housing program for women, many of the residents have obtained education and employment and have moved into their own homes. Learn more about Amelie House

Vincent Paul Family Homes

Gower Park Place is a 164 unit mixed Rent Geared to Income housing in east York.

Other Works

Marygrove Camp is a fully subsidized residential camping program, serving 1,200 disadvantaged girls, ages 5-13, each summer Learn more about Marygrove Camp for Children
The Court Services and Prison Apostolate provides assistance and support to inmates and their families. Over 5,000 visited each year. Learn more about Court Services and Prison Apostolate
Community Stores and Distribution Centre is 4 stores in the GTA which offer discount clothing and household items. New Beds, Tables and Chairs are delivered at no cost to the needy. Learn more about Community Stores and Distribution Centre
Twinning involves sharing resources with people we may never meet face to face. We assist needy SVDP conferences within Canada and in India, West Indies, Jamaica, Poland, Brazil, Dominican, West Africa, Kenya, Barbados, Guyana and Sri Lanka. Learn more about Twinning

The Poor Box Speaks

“I stand alone in the back of your church ready to greet you, yet many coldly pass me by. You look upon me as just a box of wood, but I have a heart – it is the heart of throbbing humanity.”

“You do not know, will never know, what I accomplish for your unfortunately brethren. I am the antidote for pride; I am he who giveth with simplicity. I am humble and teach my followers to give for the love of God.”

“St. Paul said ‘now there remain Faith, Hope Charity, these three, and the greatest of these is Charity’. I exemplify Charity. YOU can practice Charity though me.”

“I make possible the most powerful and the easiest prayer in the world; ‘Amen I say to you that when you did it to these My brethren you did it unto Me’.”

“I keep men from despair. I feed the hungry, clothe the naked. I bring a smile to the worried face, joy o the sad heart – BUT – “without YOU I am helpless.”

“I AM THE POOR BOX, PLEASE DO NOT PASS ME BY UNHEEDED”

The Church Poor Box

Support The Society of St. Vincent de Paul.

100% of donations are used to help those in need in our community.
Thank you and God Bless.

Sponsor a Needy Family this Christmas

Christmas 2025

Help bring joy to a family in need this upcoming Christmas by sponsoring a needy family with a Christmas basket.

Each sponsor is matched with a family and receives a brief description of the families’ situation, first names of the parents and first names, ages and gender of the children.

Typical baskets cost $100–$200, but any amount is welcome. Tax receipts provided.

Please consider sponsoring a family in Scarborough this Christmas!

Make a Cash Donation

Make a donation to help needy families and they will receive a Christmas basket. You will also be provided with an official tax receipt

Create a Gift Basket

Baskets would consist of things such as food vouchers (we provide), clothing, food, small amount of cash, toys for the children as well a note to the family if you desire.

Become a Volunteer

Help us with deliveries of gift baskets and goods to those in need in December..

How To Help

Make a Donation

Sponsor a Family

Donate Goods

Planned Giving

Life Insurance Gifts

Become a Volunteer