The SVP in Romania started in 1996 and now has 35 local volunteer groups working across the country to visit and support those in need.
Similar to our activity in England & Wales, befriending is often accompanied by practical support through the provision of food hampers, clothing, and medicine.
In addition to addressing basic needs for families and individuals, local SVP groups run a variety of projects tailored to the needs across their local community.
Read more about the success of the small projects scheme in the Winter 2019 issue of the Vincentian Concern.
Every Easter, an SVP group supported local families with a food hamper.
In 2025, however, local volunteers introduced a new approach: providing six families with young chicks to help them start producing their own food at home. This initiative not only encouraged self-sufficiency but also offered a healthier alternative to store-bought meat.
After successfully raising the chicks, these families were able to share the offspring with 35 more households - reaching an incredible 130 people - expanding access to fresh eggs and homegrown food.
By reducing the ongoing cost of food aid, this project freed up valuable funds that could be redirected to other urgent needs - such as purchasing essential medicines for elderly members of the community.
Since we were given this cow, life has changed so much. We now earn extra income from selling milk, cheese and sour cream, which has enabled us to buy shoes and school supplies, like notebooks and pens, for Ionut.
- The Mercher Family
The SVP is committed to supporting young families and their children through school; whether this is helping pay for uniforms, stationery and books for children who would otherwise be excluded from school or running after-school clubs that offer a hot meal and help with homework. During the summer, groups also run holiday camps by the sea or in the mountains for children from inner-city tenement blocks, offering them outdoor activities and the chance to build their confidence and friendships.
Can you support our work in Romania? Your donation could help pay for livestock so a family can afford supplies and books to send their child to school or help them start their own business through the small projects scheme.