St Vincent de Paul Society
Serving neighbours through community meals, the Fitzroy Op Shop, and practical care.
St Vincent de Paul Society
The Society of St Vincent de Paul, St Joseph’s Conference New Plymouth, meets on the first Wednesday of the month at 6:00pm in the parish offices.
The 2026 committee is Margaret Roylance (President), Mike Dravitizki (Deputy), Natalie Fernandes (Treasurer), Russell Chamany and Liz Gooch (Secretary).
SVdP also visit those in rest homes or those feeling lonely, support local students who may not be able to afford school activities, and provide help to those in need.
The Op Shop
Suzanne is the manager of the Op Shop in Fitzroy — a thriving and positive space. Suzanne is full of great ideas to encourage support for organisations needing help. Her Ooshie jar is so successful that Northpoint Op Shop is using it.
From the shop, Suzanne has run a pink ribbon tea, supported Gabby’s Starlit Hope with an activity morning, and constantly supports local events through wonderful window displays.
To volunteer at the Op Shop, pop in and chat with Suzanne and the volunteers.
Community meals
Held in the parish hall each Tuesday evening. Doors open at 5:15pm for whoever would like a meal and company.
The winter meal starts with soup, which is made and brought to us by the St Pius X community, including the Young Vinnies. Other food — meat, vegetables, pasta and dessert — is prepared and cooked by various members of our community. Each person is rostered on to cook one dish one Tuesday a month. This is then delivered to the hall where it all takes place.
On average we feed 40 people and deliver 18 takeaways, with 4 others collecting their meals from the hall. The diners are friendly, incredibly polite and helpful — packing away tables and chairs and helping to tidy up after each meal.
The highlight of the year is our final meal on the second Tuesday of November. Christmas themed, diners enjoy an amazing early Christmas meal, the hall is decorated, and goody bags are given out. Last year On The House donated food and everyone received a food parcel as well. We also had raffle prizes and certificates for our diners who go out of their way to be friendly and helpful.
You can join us on a Tuesday evening at St Joseph’s hall from 5:00pm, or contact Liz (022 643 0252) to help at Community Meals.
Be part of this
Contact Margaret Roylance to join the Society, or Liz to help with Community Meals.