Our store is a social enterprise that is owned and operated by the Society of St Vincent de Paul (SSVP) in Cambridge, Ontario.
SSVP is a Catholic lay organization that serves the poor and marginalized of society by living the Gospel and serving Christ with love, joy and justice.
There are 5 SSVP groups affiliated with local Catholic Churches that help people living in their boundaries. Together, they are known as a Particular Council and registered as a Canadian charity.
The SSVP in Cambridge is a part of the Ontario Regional Council, the National Council of Canada and the broad global movement.
Who is St. Vincent de Paul?
St. Vincent de Paul was ordained as a priest at age 19 in 17th century France. He worked as chaplain to poor parish and to prisoners and seeing their physical and spiritual poverty, realized a connection between the two. He dedicated his adult life to serving the poor.
Founding of the Society
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul was founded in 1833 by French scholar Frederick Ozanam who was inspired by St. Vincent’s spirit of service to the poor.
St Vincent de Paul Thrift Store 