In his weekly column for the Catholic Weekly in Sydney Australia the President of the SVDP reflects on the role of the Society, Tsuanmi and Twinning.
“… The St Vincent de Paul Society is not best structured to provide immediate assistance to those affected by this disaster.
Agencies like Caritas and the Red Cross already have the infrastructure in place to assist those in most need. The Society, as a national body, has been encouraging men and women to pledge their support to Caritas by making a monetary gift.
At this stage in the relief effort, when food, water and medicine are of prime importance, sending cash to the affected areas is the expedient way to provide relief. This also stimulates the depressed economy.
While gifts of food and clothing are appreciated it is expensive and difficult to transport these items to the areas of most need at this time.
The St Vincent de Paul Society will be assisting those affected by the disaster in the coming months. Part of our work with developing countries is a program called twinning.
