The commitment, dedication and preparedness of the members, volunteers and staff allow the Society to offer these wide-ranging support services. Also, and very importantly, the generosity of the local community to continue donating clothing, household goods and furniture to Vinnies enables the Society to operate and maintain quality Vinnies shops.
The concept to “Be Prepared” is familiar to the members, volunteers and staff of the St Vincent de Paul Society. In a sense, it is a formative purpose of the Society: to be prepared to assist people in need. It is the reason the St Vincent de Paul Society was formed and is why the Society continues to exist in communities across Queensland and throughout Australia. The St Vincent de Paul Society (Vinnies) assisted more than 1.8 million people in Australia last year. This level of support and commitment requires its members, volunteers and staff to be prepared to meet with and assist people in all manner of circumstances. It’s not always possible to resolve all problems. If assistance can be provided it usually is resolvable, whether it be financial, material, social, spiritual or referrals to other relevant services. Vinnies members, volunteers and staff assist people every day who are experiencing poverty, marginalisation, homelessness or who are at risk of homelessness. Although poverty might not always be recognisable, at least one in eight Australians are currently affected by poverty. According to ACOSS’s (Australian Council of Social Service) Poverty in Australia 2018 report, more than 3 million Australians (13.2%) are living below the relative poverty line, which equates to one in eight adults and one in six children living in poverty. Although the definition of poverty can be interpreted differently, and most poverty estimates are based on relative poverty not absolute poverty (which is more difficult to measure), there is no doubt that many people across Australia are affected by poverty in one form or another. Whether it’s living with the systemic and prolonged effects of poverty, or whether it’s homelessness, marginalisation, or struggling with immediate social crisis or financial adversity, there are many people who at different times in their lives need some sort of support. That’s where Vinnies helps. The St Vincent de Paul Society always needs to be prepared to encounter, reach out and assist people who need support for a variety of reasons. This year we assisted more than 4500 people in the Bundaberg region, offering a range of services including food relief, providing clothing, household items and furniture, financial assistance, overseas development, disaster relief (including supporting drought affected farmers), offering no interest loans, financial counselling and of course Christmas hampers and toys to more than 200 families.
Vinnies stores provide value shopping and are a valuable resource to people on low incomes, enabling them to buy quality items at affordable prices. The proceeds from the sale of donated goods in Vinnies shops is used to provide resources and support to people in need through a range of services and programs offered by the Society. Another valuable contribution people can make to Vinnies is to volunteer or become a member. Volunteering with Vinnies allows people of all ages, regardless of experience, skills or circumstances, to get involved in the community and positively contribute. The benefits of volunteering are well documented. As a Vinnies volunteer or a Conference member people enjoy all the benefits of volunteering while being able to offer a “hand up” to people in need, respecting their dignity, sharing hope and providing services to support and encourage people to overcome adversity and improve their circumstances in life. Looking forward to 2019, the Society’s members, volunteers and staff will continue in their many ways to be prepared to offer support to people in need. Although Christmas is a time of joy for most people, for many it can be a time of stress and hardship. Every year (and this year again) as the end of another year approaches the Society’s members are prepared to assist families during the Christmas season. Each year the Society works to alleviate some of the stress and financial concerns some people and families in the community encounter during this time. Thank you to all the members, volunteers and staff who have given their time and worked in a variety of roles in 2018 to ensure Vinnies remains relevant in the community as a respected charitable organisation. Thank you to the Parish Office staff, parishioners, Shalom Catholic College and St Joseph’s, St Mary’s and St Patrick’s Catholic Primary Schools for their ongoing support, especially with the Christmas hampers and toys. Also thank you to the organisations and people in the Bundaberg community who have donated goods or given other support to Vinnies this year. On behalf of the members, volunteers and staff of the St Vincent de Paul Society Bundaberg, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Owen Thomson
Administration Officer
Vinnies stores provide VALUE SHOPPING for clothing, household goods and furniture. SHOP at a Vinnies store and support the St Vincent de Paul Society, with all proceeds used to fund the Society’s support services. RECYCLE your clothing, household goods and furniture at Vinnies. VOLUNTEER or become a MEMBER to be active in the community, to develop new skills and experiences in a variety of roles, to connect with people and to contribute to social change. 18 McLean St 4151 5455 | 68 Johanna Blvd 4131 0200 | 37 See St Bargara 4159 2000 To donate furniture: 1800 846 643 | bundaberg.office@svdpqld.org.au | qld.vinnies.org.au
GOOD NEWS 2018 | Page 27