About Us

Background

The St Vincent de Paul Society (the Society) is an international lay Catholic organisation tackling poverty and disadvantage, assisting people in need, and combating social injustice. The Society was founded in 1833 in Paris, France by a group of young people who wanted to actively engage in addressing social disadvantage.

The Society was founded in South Australia in 1884 and currently comprises over 2,500 members and volunteers in 61 Conferences (local networks), 35 Vinnies shops and numerous Special Works such as our Crisis Centres.  They work together, supported by dedicated staff,  to relieve not only the immediate requirements of those in need, but to identify the deep and long-term causes leading to spiritual, financial and social hardship in our community, and provide a voice for those experiencing disadvantage and homelessness.

How we help

Each year the Society assists more than 100,000 South Australians.  This help is not limited to providing material goods, food and shelter, but extends to providing spiritual support, relief from loneliness and encouragement for people to help themselves.

Vinnies relies largely on the generosity of donations from the public, and any surplus generated goes directly to supporting the Society’s good works, which provide a range of services to people facing disadvantage.

Need help?

The Society is a registered charitable not for profit organisation and is incorporated in each state and territory. The Australian National Council includes the President of each state and territory, and the president of the National Council represents Australia on the International General Council.

The income of the Society in SA is derived principally from donations, retail income from our retail shops and specific program funding from the SA Government and the Australian Government Department of Social Services.