Over the last two years the St Vincent de Paul Society (SVP) in Retford has helped to kit out many local schoolchildren with uniforms, and with the IT equipment they needed to continue with their lessons during lockdown. And the good news is – uniform provision is going to carry on this year.
The charity now have the capacity to store and distribute more uniforms than previously, so hopefully any families who may have been struggling with the cost of school uniforms this September will be able to go to the SVP for help.
The SVP is an international charity which was set up to alleviate loneliness and poverty in the 1800s. There are local groups of the SVP in many towns and cities, all made up of volunteers. These days, more than ever, people can struggle to make ends meet, with money being very tight for many families at the moment.
Their store is located at Office 2, Barham House, Aurillac Way, Hallcroft Industrial Estate, Retford DN22 7PX. A member of SVP will be present there to serve you on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3.30pm to 5.30pm. You can phone anytime on 07867 631834. They are also happy to accept any donations of new or nearly new uniforms.
Of course, the SVP needs money in order to be able to help people, and they sometimes hold fundraising events. The next one will be an afternoon tea with sandwiches, scones, cake, ice cream and prosecco at 2.00pm on Saturday 3rd September, at 5 Hallcroft Road, DN22 7NE. Hopefully the day will be fine and it will be held outside, but if it rains it will be inside. Tickets cost £15.00 per person.
You can order tickets by phone. If you are lonely or are finding it difficult to cope at the moment you can contact the SVP on 07795 285424 or 07867 631834. Your call will always be treated in confidence and with courtesy.