Our Parish St Vincent de Paul Conferences continue to provide practical support, friendship and advocacy for the most vulnerable members of our community. This week a member of the St Vincent de Paul Deepdene Balwyn Conference reflects on a current case highlighting the importance of support and how it impacts on the work they are doing.
Most of us are cautious when we don’t recognise a phone number, but Kelly’s “hello” sounded especially flat and dispirited. At 32 Kelly is expecting her first baby, but thanks to round the clock morning sickness she wasn’t feeling excited. Kelly, her partner and little dog share a cramped unit in a vast Housing Ministry estate sandwiched between the Hoddle and Wellington Street towers. After being assaulted by one of her previous partners Kelly was moved into what should be safe housing, but she describes it as noisy, unpleasant and dangerous. She is fearful of the local gangs who trashed her uninsured car after she lost her licence for a drug driving offence.
Now starting to feel well and proudly showing her baby bump, Kelly has planned and shopped for the baby but is still needing lots more help. In particular, our Conference would like to find her a pram.
The rising cost of food, electricity, petrol, rent, healthcare and other life essentials are impacting an unprecedented number of households. Every week our Vinnies members visit many people like Kelly who need food vouchers, support and always prayers for the many things’ money can never buy.
All donations to the Vinnies Christmas Appeal are gratefully appreciated. To donate to the St Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal, please use the QR codes below. To learn more about the works of St Vincent de Paul visit Vinnies.
It’s your compassion and support that makes our work possible; not is not just for Christmas, but it is for a brighter future.
Our Conferences are always looking for new members to assist in our work. If you are interested in joining or finding out more about our works, please contact the Conference President(s) via the Parish Office.
Once again, we thank our fellow parishioners for their prayers and generous support for our work throughout the year.
Camberwell Conference:
Deepdene & Balwyn Conference:
Surrey Hills Wattle Park Conference:
Published: 13 December 2024
19 Brenbeal Street, Balwyn VIC 3103
Telephone: 03 9816 9291
Email: [email protected]
Office Hours:
Tue - Fri 9:00am – 5:00pm