Works of the St Vincent de Paul Society

Michael Ryan, OAM, President of the Ballarat region of the St Vincent de Paul Society, recently spoke to parishioners during Masses at Ballan, Springbank, Gordon and Clarkes Hill.

Michael raised awareness of the “Good Works” of Vinnies, not just at Christmas time but throughout the whole year.  Michael advised that Vinnies provides assistance to all people regardless of creed, ethnic or social background, health, gender or political opinions and spoke of the “hands up” assistance they provide.

People were also reminded to contact St Vincent de Paul if they know of anyone local who needs assistance.

The following are points from Michael’s presentation:

 Mission:

  • Vinnies is a lay Catholic organisation that aspires to live the Gospel message by serving Christ in the poor with love, respect, justice, hope and joy and by working to shape a more just and compassionate society.
  • About the only thing we don’t ask people about is their religion.

 What do we do:

  • Our main work is to provide families with assistance to meet basic everyday needs including food, household supplies, toiletries and baby products .
  • We can and do assist with other things like electricity and gas bills, emergency travel costs and medicines.
  • We offer support and advice about access to other assistance available through other agencies, eg. homelessness, family violence.

 Scale of need:

  • In the Ballarat Diocese from January – June 2024, $380,000 was distributed assisting 8800 adults and children.
  • In the Ballarat region from July -November 30, 2024, $235,000 was distributed. The 2024-2025 annual budget is $730,000.  January – March 2025 will be the busiest time, with post-Christmas and back to school expenses.

 Sources of income:

  • Vinnies shops: There are five Vinnies shops in our region, which rely almost totally on generous volunteers and goods donors.  Those who seek assistance are not all Catholics – “Faith without good works is dead.”
  • Appeals and fundraising.

 Our Annual Christmas appeal has started:

  • The cost of living crisis is real. For many of our companions it is almost business as usual.
  • If you are able to assist, you can place a donation on the collection plate at Mass or donate online if you prefer https://donate.vinnies.org.au/christmas-appeal