In July there was a special gathering of friends, staff, and colleagues to honour with thanks and gratitude the distinguished service of John Rossbotham as Manager and Secretary to St Vincent de Paul in Wellington over the past 15 years.

John guided the growth of the Society in Wellington, joining the organisation 15 years ago on 1 April 2005. At that time the Society was relatively small with two shops and a few employees and volunteers (and of course the conferences). Over the last 15 years, John strengthened the capacity of St Vincent de Paul to assist those in need through adding a further seven shops enabling the Society to assist more than 2,000 individuals and families last year by providing food, clothing, furniture, financial assistance and advocacy. Although due to retire at the end of March 2020, John remained at the helm supporting and guiding the Society through lockdown. His steady hand was invaluable through those challenging times.

John has been innovative and open to new initiatives that promote outreach. He promoted pop-up shops where everything was given away; barbecues to feed hungry students; supported the growth of Young Vinnies into primary schools and the Re Sew initiative which has lifted the Society’s profile. All this without neglecting those special spiritual occasions.

John may be described as a “bit of a rough diamond”. He calls a spade a spade and can be very direct. You know where you stand with John. His standards are high and his expectations are clear. But he is also compassionate and cares deeply for those in need. His catholic faith is very important to him and that faith has sustained him and given him both strength and guidance. He has been fortunate to be supported by his wife Patricia while he devoted so much of his time and energy to the work of the Society. Thank you John.

John Kennedy-Good | Past Area President (2014 - August 2020)