SSVP Tonga inaugurates a new charity store and welfare center

On September 27, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul in Tonga, Oceania, completed the project to create its new charity shop/care center. The idea was born six years ago, when the local SSVP had to vacate a small space where it served the needy. Now, the new project will give the Society’s members in Tonga a base from which to work, as well as creating a space that will provide resources to fund their activities.

Construction began in early April this year. The foundations were a challenge, which had to be overcome due to heavy rains. During the month of August, internal carpentry, electrical and joinery work was accelerated, so that by mid-September the work was completed.

Finally, the premises have been distributed in different rooms, which meet the various needs of the center. The interior space houses a store and a small office with a meeting room. Second-hand clothes and utensils will be sold there, and the funds raised will be used to make small improvements to the homes of those assisted, to provide mattresses and clothes, to offer some financial aid to families, such as emergency aid to help those who have lost their homes due to fires or other contingencies, etc. The space will also host some SSVP meetings, Vinnies youth meetings, Conference meetings, as well as the delivery of food to the families served.

This initiative has been supported by SSVP New Zealand and the Tongan communities.