Vinnies Christmas Appeal 2025: Volunteers Making Good Works Happen

At the St Vincent de Paul Society, volunteers are the beating heart of everything they do. Their generosity, compassion, and commitment make it possible to bring hope and practical support to people in need. Every act of service—big or small—creates ripples of kindness across the community.

What makes volunteering with Vinnies so special is the variety of pathways available. Each person can tailor their journey to reflect their passions and values. Whether you are drawn to offering companionship through Soup Vans, promoting sustainability in the Vinnies Shops, supporting young people through Education and Youth programs, or providing hands-on assistance through the Call Centres and No Interest Loan Schemes (NILS), there is a place for you here.

Some of the opportunities to get involved are:

• Conferences: The backbone of Vinnies, conferences provide both immediate material aid and long-term support to help people make life-changing decisions. Our parish hosts three active conferences—Balwyn Deepdene, Camberwell, and Surrey Hills Wattle Park—each welcoming new members to join their mission. To learn more, contact the Conference Presidents via the Parish Office.
• Education Programs: Recognising the power of learning, these programs offer free academic support, fostering opportunity, diversity, and compassion for those who need it most.
• Vinnies Shops: More than just retail, the shops are hubs of community and sustainability. Volunteers experience diverse roles while meeting inspiring people and helping to repurpose donations.
• Vinnies Youth: Young volunteers aged 18 and over bring energy and fresh ideas to the work of Vinnies, often through Young Adult Conferences and special projects.
• Soup Vans: Operating across Melbourne and regional Victoria, the vans provide food and companionship to those experiencing hardship, thanks to the dedication of volunteers.
• Vinnies Warehouses: Located in Altona North and Dandenong South, these centres are vital in sorting donations for the Vinnies shops. Every item processed helps raise funds that make a real difference in the community.

To learn more about the volunteering opportunities available, or to apply to become a volunteer, visit Vinnies.

As Christmas approaches, we invite parishioners to support the St Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal through a special second collection at all our Christmas Masses. Your prayers, donations, and ongoing encouragement sustain their work throughout the year.

Together, we continue to make good works happen—one volunteer, one act of kindness, and one life touched at a time.

Online donations are welcome and can be directed to the parish conferences listed below:

Balwyn Deepdene Conference

Camberwell Conference

Surrey Hills Wattle Park Conference

By Kate Baines

Source and Image:  Vinnies.org.au