Vincent de Paul Society (Trinity College Dublin)

The Trinity de Paul Society was established in 1973.[2] Since then it has grown into one of Trinity's largest societies.[3] Its oldest activity is the Trinity Club which provides a social club for adults with intellectual disabilities. Kids' Club is another one of the longest standing activities, continuing for over 20 years.[4] The society won the award for "Best Overall Society" in Trinity College on four occasions; the most out of any society in the college.[5]

The Vincent de Paul Society runs over twenty activities. They include helping people young and old in a number of different ways. Volunteers are vetted through the Garda Síochána and go through a child protection course, provided by the National Society of St. Vincent de Paul.[6]

Some of the activities include running children's clubs (at local primary schools with fun and educational activities including art, dance, drama, music and literacy), an annual pantomime, homeless care, visitations (to elderly or people with disabilities in the local area), and flat cleaning and decorating.

Annually, as many as 75 student members also walk 110 kilometers of the Camino de Santiago. This year, the Camino walk raised money for TAP and Bridge 21, which are charities that work in the college to encourage educational development and provide support for students coming into the college from more disadvantaged areas. The money has in the past been donated to St. Vincent de Paul Societies in Africa.[7]

The running these activities requires a team of fundraisers. Led by the Vice-President of Fundraising and aided by the fundraising subcommittee, the society organise events to raise money and awareness. In the past they have had nights out, concerts, street collection days, and bingo nights.

VDP is one of the few societies in Trinity which is free to join. Students can join any time during the academic year.