Interviews
Name: Martha Shackleton
Title: President of Trinity’s St Vincent de Paul Society (VDP)
Trinity Degree: 3rd year, TSM degree in World Religions and Classical Civilisations
Tell us why you got involved with Trinity’s St Vincent de Paul Society?
I first became involved in VDP in my second year of college. During my freshman year, I had tried out a number of different societies, but none completely captured my attention. Before returning in September of my second year, I did some further research into Trinity societies. It was here that I hit upon Trinity VDP. For me, it combined two amazing things: being part of a socially aware organisation with the aim to help others at its core and a lot of fun and a great way to meet other students! I auditioned for the annual VDP Panto that September and the rest is history.
As society President for 2015-16, what are your ambitions for the year ahead?
Over the past number of years, Trinity's VDP society has gone from strength to strength, and this years executive committee are eager to continue this growth. We’ve already set up two new VDP activities: a club that allows students to volunteer in the understaffed play area of Crumlin Children’s Hospital and a club that works with local disadvantaged teenagers. We also hope to raise more funds for the society than ever before during Raise and Give (RAG) Week in January. 2016 also marks the 40th year anniversary of Trinity VDP, and to celebrate this milestone we hope to organise an alumni ball in March. So if you were involved in Trinity VDP during your time in college - watch this space!
Tell us about the work of the VDP?
VDP has just over 2,200 members and is the most heavily subscribed society in Trinity! Not altogether surprising with the large range of activities available to our volunteers. VDP works with everyone from the homeless, to intellectually disabled adults, to children and refugees. We also run activities that support the elderly such as home visits. Our more recent work with sick children and disadvantaged teenagers involves everything from Drama Clubs to Homework Clubs, Music Clubs and Wall Climbing Clubs.
Tell us about the societies plans for the 2016 pantomime?
Trinity VDP organises an annual pantomime with the children we support. In order to get this off the ground it takes a collaborative effort of about 40 Trinity students and approximately 90 children. The students involved attend evening rehearsals for a number of months and then visit the various kids' clubs to teach dance moves and routines. The students do everything from writing the script and making the set - all to give the children something positive to focus on. The 2016 pantomime is Shrek and will take place on 4 & 5 February in Belvedere College Theatre. The shows sell out (500 seats) every year! Of course, alumni are more than welcome to pop along to witness the madness of delayed lines and forgotten dances!
What ways can alumni get involved with the society?
There are many ways that alumni can get involved in Trinity VDP. We run several different giving appeals throughout the year, for example our Christmas appeal for food hampers and presents. Many of our activities are delivered in association with support organisations. Our soup runs are organised in conjunction with Teach Mhuire and so alumni can get involved through these partner organisations to team up and support Trinity VDP. We are almost a completely self-funded society, hosting fundraisers throughout the year to make the work we do possible and sustainable, so any donations are greatly appreciated.
To get involved or to find out more about the VDP contact president@trinityvdp.com