FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Society of St. Vincent de Paul Hosts Friends of the Poor ® Walk/Run Events Across the U.S.

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SVdP), a nonprofit organization whose members are committed to growing in holiness and building a more just world through personal relationships with and service to people in need, will sponsor its annual Friends of the Poor ® Walk/Run at 120 locations across the country this weekend.

Held this year on September 24, the event is traditionally held on the weekend nearest September 27, the feast day of the Society’s patron, St. Vincent de Paul, who ministered the poor in Paris in the 17th century.

With events happening nationwide, the Friends of the Poor ® Walk/Run in each community is designed and run by the local St. Vincent de Paul chapter (known as a Conference or Council) in that area. All proceeds and donations from the Friends of the Poor ® Walk/Run events will directly benefit neighbors in need in the local area served by the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. Anyone interested in learning more, participating, or making a pledge can visit www.fopwalk.org. Online pledges will also be gratefully accepted.

“The Friends of the Poor Walk is a great opportunity for local Conferences and Councils to spread awareness of the Society, as well as raising funds that will directly impact their neighbors in need,” says Director of National Fundraising Programs Alyssa Bergman. Some locations use the Walk as their main fundraiser for the year!”

Nationwide, members of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul (known as Vincentians) served more than 4.2 million neighbors in need last year, with a total value of Vincentian Services provided equaling more than $1.5 billion.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT
Jill Pioter
National Council of the United States, Society of St. Vincent de Paul
66 Progress Parkway, St. Louis, MO 63043
phone (314) 576-3993, ext. 204
jpioter@svdpusa.org