The St Vincent de Paul Society (Vinnies) exists to offer “a hand up” to people in need. We do this by respecting their dignity, sharing our hope, and encouraging them to take control of their own destiny.  It was founded by a 20 year old student named Frederick Ozanam in 1833 and established by like minded people who wanted to put their faith into action.

This compassionate outlook, enthusiasm and vision continues today in Australia.  There are thousands of people who every day share their time, care for humanity and energy to make a difference in the lives of disadvantaged people all around Australia.

If you want to find out more about how the Society operates across Australia just click here. 

Those in need

People locally in need of “a hand up”.

Living amongst the generally relatively affluent inhabitants of our suburbs there is an often unnoticed group of people who, for one reason or another, are not at the moment managing to cope with what life has served them.  A good number of these people, or their loved ones, have been struck by a physical or mental ailment that can at times cause them to be overwhelmed by any number of things.  Others are attempting escape from abusive or unhealthy relationships and may find themselves cast adrift with very little property or support.  The number of reasons people need Vinnies is as many as the people themselves.  Some people use our services often, others perhaps just once or a few times – we are always there when needed.

The type of assistance available through Vinnies is extensive.  For more information on what is offered, check this site https://www.vinnies.org.au/findhelp#!nsw .

Whatever the source of your problems, if you are in need you can call on Vinnies for assistance.  Your first step towards assistance is to make a phone call to the Regional Offfice at 683 Darling Street, Rozelle NSW 2039.  You can ring for an appointment to see one of our counsellors on 9818 4365

Those who assist

People living locally helping to “give a hand up”

After someone in need has been in contact with our Regional Office they are often referred to our local Conference.  We, the conference members, are the people who will go out and visit the needy and try to give some help.  We start off by having a chat – many people find the opportunity to have a chat is a tonic in itself.  Our prime concern is to try to see just what sort of assistance that we can offer to try to meet the individual need.  Most often we provide some food and some gift cards for local supermarkets.  Often there will be furniture needs or sometimes we can suggest the use of financial and emotional counselling services offered by the professional staff in our regional office.

Conference members are volunteers without professional training.  What we offer is our time, our listening and the physical resources available to us through the Vinnies organisation.

Being a Vinnies volunteer in North Leichhardt is not an onerous undertaking.  It involves attending an evening meeting once a fortnight for 60-90 minutes and then being “on call” once every several weeks to respond to those in need.  The average time dedicated to Vinnies work during an on-call week would be no more than two to three hours.  A small price to pay for the benefits provided to the needy.

If you think you would like to know more about joining the local Vinnies Conference, just click here “Joining Local Vinnies” to email, letting us know your name and contact details and someone will get in touch with you.

Mini Vinnies

Children at St. Columba’s Primary School have the opportunity to participate in the Mini Vinnies program. Mini Vinnies is a group of young people in primary school who get together to help those in need within their school and local community. Mini Vinnies introduces children to social justice issues, to the St Vincent de Paul Society and to living faith through action.

To find out more about Mini Vinnies and your chance to be a part of social justice activities just click here