What a year 2024 has been. The ever-increasing cost of essentials has caused a sharp increase in the number of people seeking our assistance. Throughout the year our parish’s St Vincent de Paul Conferences have made 100s of home visits assisting individuals and families in need. We have also seen a sharp increase in demand for the Society’s provision of housing support, assistance for those experiencing the trauma of domestic violence support, care for those suffering the effects of drug and alcohol abuse, and the need to be attentive to relieving the social isolation endured by those suffering from mental ill-health. Not a week passes without the Society’s provision of Coles and Woolies food vouchers, funded by the Society and given to relieve the financial stress caused by the increased cost of living. Financial assistance is also provided to top up Myki travel cards and the payment of utility bills. Vinnies cards are also given to our companions in need to buy clothing and goods at Society run stores.
In the past 12 months, our Conferences have helped over 1,500 individuals and families across not only our local parish areas but principally in North Melbourne, South Melbourne and Collingwood. The value of the assistance provided has exceeded $170,000 and reflects an increase in the order of 35% over the previous year.
Our founder, Blessed Frederick Ozanam, said, “Yours must be the work of love, of kindness, you must give your time, your talents, yourselves. The poor person is a unique person of God’s fashioning with an inalienable right to respect.”
Our commitment to supporting the jobless, homeless and needy is undiminished but the financial demands on the Society to meet those needs is increasingly onerous. Our ability to meet our founder’s call to assist the poor is very much dependent on the money generously donated by you – our parishioners. The Christmas Appeal is the principal source of financing the material support we can provide to those in need and all donations are deeply appreciated. Your compassion and support are integral to our work.
Our Conferences are also continually seeking new members to assist in our work. If you are interested in joining or learning more about what we do, please contact the Conference President(s) (details can be obtained from the Parish Office).
Michael Ryan: President of Deepdene/Balwyn Conference
Joe Hastie: President of Camberwell Conference
Phil Mann: President of Surrey Hills Wattle Park Conference
Published: 20 December 2024
19 Brenbeal Street, Balwyn VIC 3103
Telephone: 03 9816 9291
Email: [email protected]
Office Hours:
Tue - Fri 9:00am – 5:00pm