Volunteers are the backbone of the St Vincent de Paul Society

National Volunteer Week will be held on 15 – 21 May 2023

Volunteering has always been at the heart of the St Vincent de Paul Society’s aspiration of creating a more just and compassionate society for all from its very founding two centuries ago.

During National Volunteer Week, the Society is honouring the contribution of its members and volunteers who offer a hand up to people experiencing disadvantage and hardship, by celebrating the inspiring change they are able to make in communities every single day.

St Vincent de Paul Society NSW State President, Paul Burton, expressed his appreciation for each of the more than 10,000 members and volunteers who engage in community work across the state.

They include:

• 4,989 volunteers supporting Vinnies Shops
• 1,991 volunteers in other various roles
• 3,753 members located throughout the state

"Our members and volunteers are the backbone of the Society, and we simply could not have the level of impact throughout the state without them,” said Mr Burton.

“Their diligence, generosity and compassion enables us to assist people in need, and we are incredibly grateful for their dedication and commitment."

“The theme of this year’s National Volunteer Week is The Change Makers. It emphasises the vital impact our members and volunteers make to the lives of thousands of people every day.

“From our Vinnies Shops, van services, community inclusion initiatives, and much more, all of our works are powered by the generosity of volunteers towards the people they assist and a shared vision of a more just and compassionate society.”

To mark this year’s National Volunteer Week, the Society is highlighting the continual importance of diversity in volunteering by launching a new Volunteer Welcome Pack developed with the Society’s commitment to inclusivity and accessibility at the forefront.

"We are delighted to present our new Volunteer Welcome Pack program during National Volunteer Week,” said Mr Burton. 

“With this new initiative, we hope to ensure that everyone who aspires to become part of our network of volunteers feels welcome and supported.

“A more diverse group of members and volunteers allows us to gain new perspectives and experiences that ultimately will enhance our ability to respond to the needs of the people we assist, including reaching a greater number of people in need.

“Our members and volunteers are at the forefront of our work; they represent the Society as a whole. It is important to have the people we assist feel represented through our volunteers and members,” said Mr Burton.

Learn more about volunteering with the St Vincent de Paul Society NSW at: www.vinnies.org.au.