St Benedict’s Junior School in Ealing has a thriving Mini Vinnies group, led by Mrs Lynn Smith, Head of Religious Education. The Society of St Vincent de Paul has been engaging with young people and education since its earliest days and the Mini Vinnies programme is its primary schools initiative.
The Mini Vinnies were visited by Dee Mansi, the Mini Vinnie's coordinator for the Westminster Diocese, to formally induct them into the Mini Saint Vincent De Paul Society. Dee spoke with energy and passion about the important work that the Mini Vinnies do and how important it is to get involved in helping others at a young age. The Mini Vinnies have a mantra - "See, think, do" - and she was delighted to see this so much in evidence at St Benedict's. Dee presented the Mini Vinnies with their certificates and congratulated them on their thoughtful and successful fundraising so far. "I am sure the Mini Vinnies will continue to go from strength to strength" she said.
Members of the Mini Vinnies group are learning how they can help others and they are taking the initiative in driving and encouraging support for those less fortunate. Soon after Dee’s visit the Mini Vinnies visited St David’s Care Home to perform a musical concert for the elderly residents. Phoebe Bettis and Freya Horridge (Year 6) said: “The people there made us smile and laugh but it also made us sad to see some people in pain, yet still smiling as we performed. They really enjoyed it and that made us happy to see that we had made someone’s day!”
