Sheffield fundraiser retires after 18 years helping the vulnerable and disadvantaged

Ralph Dickins, aged 81, has been working part-time for the St Vincent’s Furniture Store in Queens Road since 2003.

The charity has been collecting and redistributing recycled furniture and household items to the city’s vulnerable and disadvantaged people since 1987.

During his 18-year fundraising tenure at St Vincent’s, Ralph and the team have

helped tens of thousands of families and individuals to rebuild their lives.

Ralph, who describes his time at St Vincent’s as an “honour”, said: “Many of the people we support have been moved into accommodation with absolutely nothing. They come from all sorts of backgrounds and situations. We give them the essentials which make a house a home, and from there they can begin the process of getting their lives back together. It’s a privilege to be part of their journey.”

Following the sale of his family’s commercial printing business in the city, Ralph, who has been a member of the volunteering charity, the St Vincent de Paul Society (SVP) for 52 years, wanted to turn his local knowledge and talents to good use. He gained experience of fundraising through lectures held by the South Yorkshire Funding Advice Bureau, and his business acumen allowed him to expand funding for St Vincent’s.

Ralph continued: “I joined the SVP aged 30. It was a family tradition; my father and brother were also members at Our Lady and St Thomas SVP Conference in Hallam. SVP members change the lives of others by doing the little things very well. We give people what they need to change their lives for the better. Sometimes it’s friendship, at other times it might be a food parcel or household essentials. Whatever we do, we do it with compassion and without judgement.”

Bishop Ralph Heskett, Bishop of Hallam, applauded Ralph and the charity : “I am delighted to offer my thanks and good wishes to Ralph as he steps down from his role of fundraiser for St Vincent’s Sheffield - a role he has carried out with great dedication over the years. St Vincent’s Furniture Store does great work among the poorest of Sheffield. This would not be possible without the resources to do it.”

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