Vinnies celebrates National Volunteer Week

St Vincent de Paul Society is proud to recognise the contribution of our 60,000 members and volunteers, who work across the country to improve the lives of Australians in need.

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the involvement of Vinnies members and volunteers has been remarkably strong, according to National President Claire Victory, who said the demand to assist people experiencing hardship across Australia has never been higher.

‘Over the past year, our members and volunteers have helped Australians face drought, bushfires, floods, the COVID-19 pandemic, the ongoing challenges of the higher cost-of-living and a lack of available secure and affordable housing,’ Ms Victory said.

‘The Society is a volunteer-based organisation, the largest in Australia. Without the dedication of our many volunteers, we could never undertake the work we do with families and individuals doing it tough.’

The Society’s 60,000 volunteers include members who run the Conferences that provide support to local people in need, others who work on food vans and in housing facilities for those who face homelessness and the volunteers who run the Vinnies Shops around the country.

‘Our members and volunteers are our communities ’unsung heroes. We are celebrating their efforts to coincide with National Volunteer Week, Australia’s largest annual celebration of volunteering.

‘Our members and volunteers range from childhood to ninety-plus, and work throughout the country, from the cities to regional centres to the small country towns.

‘Drawing on the funds raised through our shops and major appeals, our members meet local people and listen to their needs, often hearing harrowing stories about poverty, and help out with food, clothing, housing assistance and advice about accessing a range of support services,’ Ms Victory said.

‘This can be personally distressing, especially when young children are involved, but our members and volunteers hang in there and provide practical help and companionship.

‘We know from feedback that our members and volunteers find helping their community and being of service to be deeply enriching, and research shows that volunteering improves social inclusion as well as personal wellbeing. Volunteering really is a win-win all round.’

For information about volunteering with the St Vincent de Paul Society visit www.vinnies.org.au