SVDP Winter Appeal 2026

Thanks to the generosity of parishioners over many years, the St Vincent de Paul Camberwell Conference at Our Lady of Victories Basilica has been able to assist hundreds of people in need across the Camberwell-Hawthorn East area.  We have been able to assist with food, rent, utilities and other essential household bills, as well as items such as refrigerators and furniture. 

Sometimes unfurnished government housing units are made available to people who have only the clothes they stand up in and need everything to establish a home.  Recently, the Camberwell Conference were presented with such a case, with a man who possessed only a doona and a dog.  We were able to provide food, clothing and bedding, and through the Emergency Relief Network we were able to fully furnish his apartment at only the cost of transport.  Without this additional support, furnishing the unit would have wiped out our whole budget for the year!

With soaring rental costs driving many low-income residents from the area, the majority of our clients now live in government housing complexes.  Increasingly, however, we now receive calls from homeless people, referred by the Box Hill call centre.  Our members rendezvous with them at a convenient place to supply help with food, clothing and transport costs.  Sadly, we are unable to assist them with accommodation, which is disturbing.

Sometimes, homeless people arrive at our churches around Mass-time.  On a recent occasion, two members of the Camberwell Conference took the initiative to provide material help and arrange motel accommodation for a couple of days, as the client was fortunately awaiting a housing placement.

All of our expenditure is met locally, and we rely entirely on the generosity of parishioners.  Your support enables us to continue responding with compassion and practical assistance to those who turn to us in their time of need.

By Joe Hastie

Camberwell Conference

The SVDP Annual Winter Appeal collection will take place in our churches on the weekend of 25/26 July.  A second collection will be taken up across all Masses, and donation envelopes will be available.

This year parishioners are encouraged to donate online using the QR-code system.  This ensures your contribution goes directly to the local Conference, supporting those most in need within our community.  The QR codes are also available on the posters in our churches.

Balwyn & Deepdene Conference QR code

Camberwell Conference QR code

Surrey Hills Wattle Park Conference QR code

Main image: Vinnies website – Winter Appeal Victoria