“The world needs messages of hope. You are that message and you must continue to bring hope to all.” Pope Leo XIV
The Saint Vincent de Paul Particular Council of Brant hosted a dinner to recognize and thank volunteers and community partners on the evening of April 24th, 2026 at the parish hall of St. Pius X. Guests were welcomed by Theresa MacDougald, president of the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul, Particular Council of Brant, who noted that a society can be measured by its commitment to empathy, social justice and community, and the volunteers gathered at the dinner exemplified these qualities.
After a lovely dinner catered by the CWL of St Pius X, there were two presentations.
Rob Campbell presented a slide show outlining the Rule of The Saint Vincent de Paul organization and the progress and growth of the outreach services at Saint Vincent de Paul, Brant. His presentation also highlighted the many community partners that support the work of Saint Vincent de Paul, through referrals, volunteers, donations and fundraising. Rob recognized representatives of these community partners who were guests at the dinner. Rob’s presentation noted the remarkable growth in services delivered in the past seven years with the support of these partners.
Peter Giordano began his presentation by sharing his experience of witnessing a family with no food in their refrigerator. He shared a beautiful slide show with candid photos of the many volunteers who make up the community of hope of Saint Vincent de Paul daily. Peter ended his presentation with the image of a refrigerator full of groceries and a reminder that the volunteers make this ‘magic’ happen.
At the end of the evening we were left with the powerful message of Matthew 25: 35-40:
35 ‘For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’
37 “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’
40 “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’
