More than 2,500 of Sydney Catholic Schools’ youngest students – otherwise known as Mini Vinnies – have so far followed in the footsteps of Saint Vincent de Paul, who spent his life providing relief to the poor.

Our primary school students may not have established hospitals for the poor like Saint Vincent, but they have put their faith in action by taking part in St Vincent de Paul Society’s Mini Vinnies program.

Mini Vinnies

Mini Vinnies are a group of primary school students who want to become volunteers, advocates and fundraisers within their school and local community. They meet regularly to discuss ideas to help people less fortunate.

The spiritual and learning undertaken by the Mini Vinnies group establishes strong values and builds empathy in our young people.

Our student volunteers

Sydney Catholic Schools’ involvement in Mini Vinnies began in 2011.

“There are now 101 Mini Vinnies Conferences in the Sydney region, 99 of which are a part of Sydney Catholic Schools (SCS),” said Christina Gilio, the Metropolitan Schools Engagement Officer for the St Vincent de Paul Society, affectionately known as Vinnies.

“In 2021 alone, seven new SCS primary schools have signed up to be a part of Mini Vinnies in Sydney. Several others had expressed interest prior to the current NSW lockdown” – Christina Gilio

Putting faith into action

At St Vincent’s Catholic Primary School in Ashfield, students have been taking part in a range of programs to help the less fortunate, including Mini Vinnies.

Antonella Dolores, school principal at St Vincent’s, says Saint Vincent de Paul’s teachings are instilled in their students and help them understand the importance of helping those in …