Vinnies Wellington: we are people helping people.

In 1833 the St Vincent de Paul Society was founded by a 20-year-old student named Federic Ozanam who, after walking through the poorer suburbs on his way to university, become moved to do all he could to assist those less fortunate. Read more about our story.

This compassionate outlook, enthusiasm and vision continues today at St Vincent de Paul, or Vinnies (as we are affectionately known) in Wellington and across New Zealand.

Vincentians work in a caring and practical manner to promote human dignity and justice through personal contact with those in need, hence the motto, People Helping People. Read more about our services.

Our mission is to help people those who are disadvantaged or in crisis, comforting them and assuring them that their burdens are not meant to be carried alone. Read more about getting help.

Our vision

We strive to provide person-to-person practical and effective help to those in need - sharing their burdens and joys, sowing seeds of hope and promoting self-sufficiency.

Our values

Generosity | Integrity | Compassion | Responsiveness | Advocacy | Commitment

That means the work we do in helping others is confidential - the dignity of those we work with is paramount. The Vincentian way is service to others without fuss or fanfare.