The Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SSVP) has captured international attention by holding an event in Madrid to present the Annual Report 2023. Representatives from around the world gathered to learn about the impact of the numerous social projects that the organization has carried out in its more than 190 years of history. The event was attended by the distinguished presence of Doña Elena de Borbón y Grecia, who emphasized the relevance of SSVP’s social mission.
With a strong backing of 800,000 members and 1.5 million volunteers spread across 155 countries, SSVP allocated 1.49 billion euros in 2023 to various projects ranging from education to a rapid response to social or health emergencies. Among the most notable projects are educational scholarships for students in 32 countries in the Americas, workshops for women in India, and vocational training centers in South Sudan. In Brazil, bathrooms have been implemented for those in need, while in the United States, emergency programs focused on homeless families are being carried out.
Not only do educational and social needs get addressed, but health emergencies are also responded to through innovative initiatives such as the mobile laboratory in Lebanon and the Ozanam Comprehensive Services Center in Hong Kong, where traditional medicine treatments are offered. During natural disasters or conflicts, SSVP has been a crucial actor, providing basic assistance and emotional support to those affected.
In Spain, the organization celebrates its 175th anniversary under the name of ‘Las Conferencias’, providing assistance to more than 156,000 people annually with the help of its 3,000 members and volunteers. SSVP, founded in Paris by Frederic Ozanam, prides itself on being an associate member of UNESCO and a consultant to ECOSOC. With over 2 million members and volunteers worldwide, the organization benefits more than 30 million people daily, showing its ability to positively influence various areas of need.
SSVP stands out for its commitment to quality and transparency, certified by the UNE-EN ISO 9001:2015 standard. Those interested in collaborating or learning more about the Society of St. Vincent de Paul can find all necessary information on its official website.
Source: MiMub in Spanish
