Vinnies Christmas Appeal

Information is a valuable commodity

I recently read a critique by Michael Wolfe on the French film “Monsieur Vincent”.  Apparently, the film won Best Foreign Film at the 1948 Academy Awards.  The overall assessment of the film by Wolfe, an American history professor, was very positive although he concluded that the film is ‘more of a gospel than a history’.  He commented that there were many historical short-comings and Vincent’s story was only shown from the half-way point of his life. 

However, it was the following comment that fascinated me:

Vincent was, in-point-of fact, a sort of Steve Jobs (minus the arrogance) for Catholic charities in his day, a man who networked relentlessly, not the lonely heroic figure struggling against all odds fabricated in the film. 

The description made me think that St Vincent was an entrepreneur for Jesus, not unlike Mother Teresa of Calcutta.  Both had a special set of skills.  Both were primarily focussed on helping those ground down by poverty. Their example continues to challenge and inspire us.

As a member of the St Vincent de Paul Society, the unspoken aim is to honour their legacy through the generosity of those who donate to the Society.  Modern Australia is a very different place from seventeenth-century France or modern-day Calcutta for that matter. However, poverty can take many different forms, while food vouchers are always front and centre in the help we provide, information is emerging as a valuable aid.

Our Conferences have started to spread the word about relatively cheap mobile phone plans such as Better Life mobile’s $109 per year offer.  Not many people we visit have an Apple iPhone, but many could still benefit from a cheaper phone plan.

The Utility Relief Grant (URG) has been a revelation for many.  Many are eligible to claim some assistance every two years with their electricity, gas and water bills.  However, in our experience there are  very few people who are  aware of this Government grant. 

COVID also resulted in one specific Government grant that was initially directed at people receiving benefits – the $250 Power Saving Bonus.  In 2022, the payment was extended to anyone ‘lucky enough’ to have their name on a power bill.

All donations to the Vinnies Christmas Appeal are gratefully appreciated. Please download the donation form for options available for making a donation and in particular the need to specifically make reference to your local Conference Number (Deepdene/Balwyn X22404), Camberwell (X22401) or Wattle Park/Surrey Hills (X22393) in the comments box.

Christianity challenges us to love unconditionally.  When you act to help those less fortunate, you follow in the footsteps of St Vincent and St Teresa, surely that is a good thing.  

By Brian Moore

President Surrey Hills Wattle Park Conference