The St. Gerard's School St. Vincent De Paul Junior Conference is a vibrant and active committee within the school which is growing in strength since it started in 2008. The Conference is run by a 5th year committee and supported by the students in Transition Year. Each year different groups bring their own interests and skill sets to the table and for that reason activities vary year on year. Every year the committee and TY students pack 350 Christmas Hampers for families in the local parish and 50 hampers for a local women's refuge. Other activities during the years have included activities such as Bag Packing in a local supermarket, and appeals such as the Nappy Appeal and Back to School Stationery Appeal which aim to focus attention on the costs of essential items for families.
The students forged a link with a local nursing home and enjoy visit the elderly residents where they have spent time creating Life Story books, teaching how to use devices to Skype family, play chess etc. A group of students participated in a Make a Difference Day and helped to refurbish the local Bray Lakers Community Centre. The efforts and innovations of the group have been externally celebrated and recognised with one former Chairperson.
The main aim of the conference is to raise awareness of those who are socially excluded and to identify ways to capture the attention of those who have fallen on difficult times rather than a simple fundraising group.
