Mini Vinnies

Mini-Vinnie groups are set up in Catholic primary schools, and carry out good deeds in helping the needy within school, the local community and the wider world.

The group is part of the Society of St Vincent de Paul. The St Vincent de Paul Society (SVP) is an international Christian voluntary organisation dedicated to tackling poverty and disadvantage by providing practical assistance to those in need. ‘Mini Vinnies’ are children in Years 5 and 6 who  are encouraged to embark on their first steps as possible ‘Vincentians for life’.

The Mini-Vinnie mission is to:

Turn concern into action!

Mini Vinnies follow the pattern of see-think-do. They see who needs help in the world, think about how they can help and then do something about it.

These are some examples of the work that the Mini Vinnies do:

• Organise a Foodbank initiative – this is where each class takes it in turn to try and fill the school foodbank box. The Mini-Vinnies then judge whether the box is full and if it is the class receive a certificate and a 10 minutes extra playtime voucher;
• Sell Christmas baubles to children in school during Advent – they sit with children to colour in the bauble which is then hung on our school Christmas tree;
• Organise events to support the school in raising money for charity, especially during Advent (CAFOD) and Lent (Good Shepherd Appeal);
• Decide what happens with money raised during Advent – they look together at the CAFOD world gifts catalogue and choose the gifts to be bought on behalf of the school community;
• Write letters to the housebound of the parish so that they feel less lonely;
• Organise ‘Rosary in the Prayer Garden’ during the months of October and May – giving up their playtime to pray with other children and
• Support staff in school when organising liturgical celebrations, e.g. the school feast day and Mass.

The Mini-Vinnie Pledge:

As a member of Mini Vinnies, I promise to make a difference to my world by:

• Caring for, respecting and loving myself
• Strengthening my friendship with Jesus by talking to him each day and talking to others about him
• Caring for others in my school and community by being a friend to those who are alone, in need or in trouble
• Making my family happy by my help, respect and showing kindness and consideration
• Caring for and enjoying God’s world
• Treating others the way I would like them to treat me

The Mini-Vinnie Prayer:

Lord, thank you for our gifts and talents.
Lord, show us who needs our help.
Lord, use our hands to help those who are hungry.
Lord, open our hearts to love and
comfort those who are sad and lonely.
Lord, let us share our time, gifts
and talents with those in need.
Lord, help us to care for the sick.
Lord, may we all help and support each
other as Mini Vinnies to build a better world. Amen