St Vincent De Paul Society Of South Australia Assisting People In Need And Combating Social Injustice
Featured Not-For-Profits
This month we congratulate the St Vincent De Paul Society Of South Australia – the fifth top fundraiser for the People’s Choice Community Lottery* in 2013.
*Adrian Brien Hyundai is a Major Platinum Sponsor of the People’s Choice Community Lottery.
Last year St Vinnies raised $19,774 as part of the Community Lottery, a total of 9,887 tickets were sold making them the Community Lottery’s fifth most successful fundraiser in 2013.
Their Story
The St Vincent de Paul Society was founded by a 20 year old student named Frederic Ozanam in 1833. It was established by like minded individuals who wished 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.
The Society In Australia
The first Australian conference was founded in Victoria by Fr Gerald Ward at St Francis’ Church, Melbourne on 5 March 1854, just 21 years after the founding of the first conference in Paris.
The Society In South Australia
Operating since 1884, the Society in South Australia has over 2,500 members and volunteers in 64 Conferences, 34 Vinnies Centres and numerous Special Works.
They work together, supported by dedicated staff, to relieve not only the immediate requirements of those in need, but to identify the deep and long-term causes leading to spiritual, financial and social hardship in our community, and provide a voice for the disadvantaged.
Each year the Society assists almost 100,000 South Australians. This help is not limited to providing material goods, food and shelter, but extends to providing spiritual support, relief from loneliness and encouragement for people to help themselves.
Vinnies relies largely on the generosity of donations from the public, and any surplus generated goes directly to supporting the Society’s good works, which provide a range of services to people facing disadvantage.
Their services include:
- Conferences – Serving people in need on a one to one basis, in the spirit of Christ.
- Vinnies Centres – Providing quality pre-loved clothing, household goods and furniture for people in need.
- Fred’s Van – Feeding the homeless and hungry.
- Vincentian Centre – Providing emergency accommodation and support to homeless men around the clock every day of the year.
- Migrant and Refugee Committee -Welcome and help for new arrivals to South Australia.
- LEAP Program – Pathways to education, training and employment.
- Overseas Partnerships and Development – A contribution to world peace and understanding.
- Frederic Ozanam Housing Association Inc. – Housing those in need.
To learn more about St Vinnies please refer to their website… http://www.vinnies.org.au
