Changing lives: one soup van at a time

"Healthcare is a human right, and my volunteer work with Vinnies has helped me to see first-hand the unique challenges and unacceptable health disparities that exist within our community.

"I believe my work with Vinnies and the community we serve will help me to be not just a better doctor but a better human being," says Alannah Horvat. Having completed her Doctor of Medicine at the end of 2023, Alannah – who also has a Bachelor of Biomedicine and just started her internship at Melbourne's Austin Hospital – is one of our dedicated and much-appreciated Inner City Soup Van volunteers.

The first encounter

Alannah's story with the St Vincent de Paul Society began as a high school student back in 2014 growing up in the Macedon Ranges. During a year 11 school camp in Melbourne, she joined Vinnies volunteers in the kitchen. After preparing and packing food, she jumped in the soup van for the night run to distribute hampers to people sleeping rough throughout Melbourne's CBD and surrounding suburbs.

"The experience was truly eye-opening. As I grew up outside the city in a small town, I'd never fully appreciated the extent of food insecurity in the community and the need for services such as Vinnies," Alannah recalls. That's when the idea of volunteering herself sparked.

A familiar corner

Years later, Alannah's move to Melbourne's inner-city suburb of Fitzroy to pursue medical studies rekindled her interest in volunteering. She began noticing the Vinnies Soup Van making regular stops near her home, close to the Fitzroy Town Hall, during their night run. She didn't hesitate, applied to become a volunteer and has been a Vinnies Vannie since 2022.

The heart of volunteering

"I wanted to volunteer with Vinnies for a number of reasons. I have always had a deep desire to help others and give back to my community, which is probably what drew me to study medicine! But I am also a very practical person, so I like to go out and do things and make a difference first-hand. I believe the work the volunteers do with the soup vans has a direct, positive impact on the community," she says. "I like being able to see this when we go out to provide face-to-face services to our clients."

The power of human connection

The 26-year-old continues: "I know this sounds very generalised, but every interaction I have with a client is important to me and has had an impact." Alannah explains that the value of volunteering with Vinnies extends far beyond providing food and desperately-needed items like socks and toiletries. It's about establishing connections, offering support, and extending a helping hand up. Sometimes, volunteers like Alannah become the lifeline for the people they meet and serve. Alannah: "Sometimes you are the only person that person has spoken to all day," she emphasises. "Sometimes you are providing someone with their first meal in three days. Sometimes, the smile you give someone is the boost they need to get through the day. The power of conversation, a listening ear, and a smile can go a very long way."

A shift in perspective

Alannah's volunteering experience has been transformative in several ways. "It has taught me that homelessness is a complex issue, but it is also a real issue that can affect anyone in our society. Through my volunteering, I have met people of all ages, genders, races and circumstances, and everyone has a unique story to share," she reflects. She has come to realise that homelessness is a problem that is steadily on the rise, exacerbated by the cost-of-living crisis facing Australia.

Becoming a better doctor and a better human being

Alannah firmly believes that her time volunteering with Vinnies will not only make her a better doctor but also a better human being. Her conversations with clients have provided invaluable insights into the challenges faced by society's most vulnerable individuals. "One thing I have learnt at Vinnies that I will take into my professional work is to view every person as a whole and to really take the time to listen to everyone's story, as it is an important contributor to their health and who they are." She is committed to breaking down stigmas associated with homelessness and believes in treating every individual with compassion, no matter what their story is.

The ripple effect

In Alannah's eyes, volunteering is a reciprocal act. While volunteers like her give generously of their time and effort, they receive something equally significant in return. "Volunteering with Vinnies brings my life purpose and fulfilment," she shares. "It reminds me that small acts of kindness can go a very long way."

A valued community

Though rewarding, volunteering can be testing for her, Alannah admits. "I often find some of the stories I hear challenging. – people can go through some truly terrible hardships, but it's important that we listen with compassion and humility and offer all available supports where possible."

What helps Alannah in challenging moments are the other volunteers she works alongside. "The people I’ve met at Vinnies are among the kindest and friendliest I have ever met, and I have learnt so much from them about life and friendship over the time we have spent serving the community together.

Vinnies is more than a charity – it is a community of like-minded people from all walks of life but with a common goal to spread kindness and uplift others. I have made friends for life here.

Become a volunteer

Alannah strongly encourages anyone interested in volunteering with Vinnies to give it a go! You can apply here