The VSF International Information

Welcome to the Voluntary Solidarity Fund (VSF), a lay-led organisation made up entirely of volunteers just like you. For some time there has been an urgent need for a moral response to the growing issue of inequality. The mission of VSF International is to provide an opportunity for the more fortunate in society to help those who are disadvantaged and at risk of falling behind due to ever increasing socio-economic disparity. In particular, to contribute, both financially and in more direct ways, to help prevent further socio-economic decay as a result of increasing income inequality. The ultimate aim is to raise the capacity of those threatened to enable them to earn a dignified living, to experience the fullness of life through the nurturing of their talents and to contribute to society and the common good. This can be summarised by the well-known Chinese proverb; “Give a Man a Fish, and You Feed Him for a Day. Teach a Man To Fish, and You Feed Him for a Lifetime." The launch of the VSF International comes at a crucial time; when Pope Francis and many international organisations such as the IMF, the World Bank and highly regarded economists have called for action. Business executives, in particular, can put their knowledge and leadership skills to good use; teaching and mentoring within our communities. Solidarity is much more than an idealistic principle; it is a moral value. A value on which action is based. Love is the verb, solidarity is the action. It is the practical response to the commandment to love one’s neighbours as oneself.