Volunteering to empowerment to employment

At just 23 years old, Melbourne native Lachlan Munro has already made significant strides in his community, fuelled by his desire to make a difference and passion for helping others.

However it wasn't until early 2024 that Lachlan, who graduated from Balwyn High in 2019 and has recently worked as a support worker, embarked on a new journey that would open up pathways he had never thought of. It is a journey that would lead him to the St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria.

Drawn to the organisation's commitment to supporting people in need with the money raised through Vinnies Shops, Lachlan applied to become a volunteer at one of our 117 shops.

"I became a volunteer at Vinnies because I believed it would be a great opportunity to work on some interpersonal skills while also giving back to my community," Lachlan shares.

"Vinnies, as an organisation, is deeply involved in supporting the less fortunate in our community. This can range from offering meals to people experiencing homelessness to furnishing homes for people who may struggle to afford it.

“One of the main reasons I applied to volunteer at Vinnies is because I can directly see how the revenue I help raise translates into tangible assistance for the less fortunate in our community. It’s incredibly fulfilling to witness the impact of my efforts in real-time,” he shares.

Initially a bit nervous, Lachlan quickly found his footing. “From the first time I stepped into the Vinnies Shop in Kew, I was warmly greeted. I found every single staff member to be incredibly welcoming towards me, and going into the media section where I started working, those nerves quickly faded away," he recalls.

Movies, music, CDs, records, and cassettes are Lachlan’s passions. He says that it’s an absolute joy for him to sort through the donated items, price them and uncover hidden treasures with each new batch that comes through the door. Lachlan has rearranged the media section and increased customers' interest, which in return helps raise more funds.

Beyond that, volunteering has also catalysed personal growth for Lachlan. "It has improved my interpersonal skills," he acknowledges. "Working alongside a diverse group of volunteers and interacting with customers from various backgrounds has helped me develop better communication skills and a greater understanding of putting myself in others’ shoes.

“I‘ve become more comfortable engaging with others, whether it’s striking up a conversation with a fellow volunteer or assisting a customer with their needs. Overall, volunteering has expanded my social horizons and fostered a deeper sense of connection within my community.”

Even more, Lachlan has been chosen to participate in the charity’s Future Leaders program – a free program designed to equip selected volunteers with specific workplace training. Through this initiative he has also been offered part-time employment, which Lachlan is very happy about.

Despite his newfound part-time employment, Lachlan continues volunteering at Vinnies. "While it is fantastic to receive compensation for my work at Vinnies, my fundamental drive remains the same," he emphasises. "The satisfaction I get from contributing to the community and making a difference in people's lives is as strong as ever."

When asked if he would recommend volunteering to others, Lachlan's response is unequivocal. "Absolutely," he affirms. "No prior training or experience is needed. I believe with the right mindset and willingness to contribute anyone can be a valuable part of the team. The friendships I've made with fellow volunteers and the valuable experience I've gained are truly priceless. I don’t think I could find this sense of belonging and purpose anywhere else."

As he continues his journey with Vinnies, Lachlan remains grounded, recognising the collective effort of the entire team. "I'm just one cog in this big machine we call Vinnies. There are folks who’ve been putting in the hours for over 20 years," he humbly acknowledges. "Together as a collective force, we can achieve so much more for people in need."

Lachlan’s story serves as a testament to the transformative power of volunteering and the profound impact it can have on individuals and communities alike. With his unwavering dedication and commitment to service, Lachlan Munro exemplifies the spirit of Vinnies – a beacon of hope and compassion in times of need.