Testimonials & Media Coverage

“We like to have fun whenever we can. Living in poverty is a difficult situation to be in and having a place that feels like home helps to you to leave your troubles behind for a little while. The staff and volunteers have fun while they work and this creates an atmosphere that feels like a family.”

​                                                                       – Client

While working with the United Way in 2013, I had the privilege to work with and meet the staff at St. Vincent de Paul. I was struck by the amazing things such a seemingly small agency was able to accomplish. So when the opportunity presented itself in October 2015 I approached Judy to see if they needed a volunteer. Judy, Michelle, Laurie and a wonderful group of dedicated volunteers welcomed me into the St. Vincent de Paul family. My intention initially was to keep myself busy and give back to the community in some small way. I volunteered each week for a few hours and have been surprised by how much I have gained over the past year. I have witnessed first hand the difference a meal from the Loretta, (dining room) clothing from the WEARhouse or a bag of groceries given in a supportive, respectful and compassionate manner makes. For some, myself included just walking through the doors at St. Vinnies and seeing those smiling faces and knowing it was safe, inclusive and welcoming place has an incredible difference each and every day. Their impact in the community is far reaching. I am grateful such an organization exists in Kingston and much more grateful that I became involved here. Thanks!

To St. Vincent de Paul,

We think that it is a wonderful place to go and have a good meal and coffee, and to meet different people who are down and out to know everyone is as special as anyone else no matter who or where they come from. As for the staff and volunteers they are always there to help you when your down. They always know how to make you feel good about yourself. If it wasn’t for St. Vincent being there for the people they would not have anywhere to go and get a nice hot meal, a coffee, clothes for their back. This is a very special place, with very special staff and volunteers. My wife and I think this place got us on our feet and made us feel good about ourselves when were down and out on our luck. My wife and I hope this place never closes its doors for a lot of people depend on it. Thank you to the staff for being there in our time of need and opening your hearts to everyone.

St. Vincent de Paul has always been there to help anyone in need. They’ve helped me in countless ways and thousands of others in the area. Food, clothing, anything you can think of is there for people if they can help St. Vincent’s will.

It means a lot to me to have someone care, and remember things about me. Thanks for being there for me.

To whomever reads this testimonial; I would like to tell you about a wonderful organization. St. Vincent de Paul to myself and many in our community is a lifesaver really, when it comes to the necessities of life for many people. Its perhaps a hot bowl of soup and a sandwich on a cold day… It is a place to come for help if you were in need of clothing, bedding, dishes, and many treasure to some folks that literally have nothing due to a circumstance in life or just down on ones luck so to speak. St. Vincent’s is a place where you can receive excellent advice and information from management and staff. They also have amazing cooks and kitchen staff that volunteer their time to operate and cater to the public on a daily basis. St. Vincent de Paul also provides programs for people to attend such as hair cutting programs arts and crafts, nail painting, colouring and relaxing programs and its all “FREE” to whomever would like to participate. All of these things that are offered takes one’s mind from their troubles and woes even for an hour or so. These things and many more that are all for the good in life happens at St. Vincent de Paul. I could go on and on about this awesome establishment that has been helping people for many years. Most everything that enters through the doors of St. Vincent’s are donated from the gracious kindness of societies people. We are all so thankful to receive these donations. Most of all I would like to say that St. Vincent de Paul is definitely a place not only to receive wares, and food or meet friends, but also a place to receive Gods blessings. I cannot thank the people that donate, the management, staff and volunteers that operate St. Vincent de Paul’s enough for their time, their kind jesters and their love for humanity. Thank-you because without you there would be no St. Vincent de Paul society of Kingston.

Good Morning ladies and gentlemen of Kingston. I just want to thank you for the amazing and wonderful effort you put into your daily routines to make this a better place to be. Your efforts are not unnoticed. If there is anything I can do to help I will. Again, I know when recognition is due and you wonderful people deserve the best of it. Hoping you have a fantastic day, and the rest of your year. Thank you to all the great volunteers and all staff. Where would we be without you. With Love A.C.

St. Vincent de Paul is the most blessed and incredible place to help others. The staff are angels from above. I can’t say enough about how they have been a huge part of my journey and a great place to be! Kingston is very blessed to have a place like St. Vincent de Paul in the community. Michelle, Judy, Barb, Kim and Belinda are incredible women to be around and work with. How blessed I am to be a part of St. Vincent. Thank You and God bless.

As a client of St. Vincent de Paul I had been going there for a few years. The people were very helpful when I was in need and down on my luck. I am someone who lives with depression and other ailments. I would go for 2 weeks without caring about my hygiene, changing my clothes and just simply not caring. Then thought to myself that I need to do something with my time. So I started volunteering my time here. It has been a blessing for me to have a reason and a purpose to get up each day and help people in need, as well as being able to work with such kind, caring people each and every day! I thank you all for allowing me to be apart of the team.

St. Vincent de Paul allows me the opportunity to give back. I find piece of mind in the hope that I can make an impact in someone else’s life. I started coming to St. Vincent’s as a client. There was always a friendly face to greet you in your time of need whether it was just for a listening ear, a hot meal or just some good company. We are like family here and it feels wonderful to make someone’s day a little brighter. St. Vincent de Paul has been a part of my life for many years and will be for many more to come.

Many years ago I was a single mother working to raise 2 children on my own and St. Vincent’s was there for me. I know the feeling to be in this situation. I was going through a hard time and needed to do something with my days. It was mentioned to me that St. Vincent’s was in need of volunteers. It only made sense to me to lend a hand as a volunteer. It’s a small way to show my appreciation for the compassion and help that I was given years before. Over a year later I am still here enjoying being able to help others who are starting their life over. I now feel a huge sense of happiness and purpose working with my friends. I will be here a long time.