St Vincent de Paul Society wins Prime Minister’s “Big Society Award”

The Prime Minister of Britain has recognized the contribution that the Society of St. Vincent de Paul has been making to care for people in need in England and Wales by granting the Big Society Award.

David Cameron said:

“The St Vincent de Paul Society turns concern into action. The Society’s incredible number of volunteers build on a 200 year history of lending a practical hand to support those in need.

“I’m delighted to recognise all 10,000 St Vincent de Paul volunteers, and the staff who support them to do their vital work, with this Big Society Award.”

Adrian Abel, National President of the SVP, said:

“It is so appropriate that this award has come in the bicentenary year of our founder’s birth. The award recognises the work of our 10,000 volunteers who give around one million hours of voluntary service, by befriending people with needs in our community.  The SVP provides practical opportunities for people to turn their concern into action, truly a Society with a big heart.”