Minnie Vinnies is a Christian organisation which gets children to put their faith into action. Members give support to people in their community, meeting them face to face and trying to help them in any way they can.

In our school, we have had a wonderful group of Minnie Vinnies for the past three years. During that time they have made a real difference in our parish, school and local community in many ways.

They attend the annual SVP mass for the sick and the housebound of the parish and help out at the afternoon tea that follows. They also sing Christmas songs and carols and do Irish dancing at the SVP annual Christmas meal. The parishioners love to have a chat with the Minnie Vinnies throughout the afternoon.

They regularly attend a local residential care home. During these visits, they have played bingo, sang songs and danced on special occasions or sit and have a chat with the residents. They have built up a special relationship with the staff and residents and they really do make a difference.

The Minnie Vinnies have actively supported Stretford Foodbank by collecting food from our playground foodbank collection point and passing it on to volunteers from the foodbank. They have also organised special collection days too.

They have learned about the problems faced by many local families and the difference the help we give can make.

The Minnie Vinnies have also organised fund-raising events for Guide Dogs for the Blind and The British Heart Foundation raising much needed funds.

The Minnie Vinnies meet regularly, elect their own officers, run their own meetings and decide where they can help the most, always keeping Jesus at the centre of everything they do.

The Minnie Vinnies are co-ordinated by Mrs Orford and they follow their main aim which is “turning concern into action” in their own enthusiastic and caring way.