Every week, members of our St Vincent de Paul Society Conference quietly go about their mission of serving those most in need in our community. Through regular home visits across North Melbourne, Collingwood and our local area, our members provide practical assistance, compassionate support and, just as importantly, a listening ear to people who are often facing some of the most difficult circumstances of their lives.
Our volunteers also give their time in Vinnies stores at Hawthorn and East Kew and assist with the distribution of food through the Vinnies Soup Vans. Together, these activities reflect the Society’s simple but powerful commitment to serving our neighbours with respect, compassion and hope.
The work of the Society depends greatly on the generosity of our parish community. Each year, our Winter Appeal provides a significant source of funding that is used directly to assist those we visit.
One of the strengths of the St Vincent de Paul Society, is that each Conference manages its own charitable work and the funds entrusted to it. This means that donations made through our parish are directed to people in our own communities, where our members know the circumstances firsthand. Every home visit is followed by a written report that is carefully reviewed at our monthly Conference meeting. This ensures that assistance is thoughtfully considered, appropriately targeted and delivered where it is needed most.
Behind every request for assistance is a person or family whose life has taken an unexpected turn.
A young mother escaping domestic violence moved into public housing with her five-year-old son, who lives with a severe form of autism. Their new home contained little more than two worn mattresses on the floor, a refrigerator and a single stool. Through the generosity of our supporters, beds, furniture, food and clothing were quickly arranged, transforming an empty unit into a home where mother and son could begin again.
Another mother, grieving the suicide of her partner, had relocated with her two primary school-aged children to public housing. Immediate assistance with food and clothing eased some of the pressure while she began rebuilding life for her family.
One family of five, recently moved from emergency hotel accommodation into an unfurnished apartment. Communication with our visitors took place through the family’s eleven-year-old son, who translated for his mother. Within days, beds for every member of the family, a dining table, chairs, sofas and vouchers for food and clothing had been provided.
Not every visit is about furniture or food. Sometimes the greatest need is simply someone prepared to listen without judgement.
One woman, deeply distressed and living with complex personal challenges, gradually found calm through the patient presence of our visitors. Practical assistance with food and clothing was accompanied by encouragement to remain connected with the professional support services already helping her.
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 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
19 Brenbeal Street, Balwyn VIC 3103
Telephone: 03 9816 9291
Email: [email protected]
Office Hours:
Tue - Fri 9:00am – 5:00pm