VINNIES in Queensland are gearing up for a “wave” of people needing support in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The St Vincent de Paul Society’s Queensland chief executive officer Kevin Mercer said there had not been a significant increase in volumes of people needing support “as yet”. “I think some of the reason for that is that there is ... Read More »
THE Vinnies CEO Sleepout is going virtual and hi-tech so the popular fundraising event for the homeless can go ahead on June 18 despite any COVID-19 restrictions. Business and community leaders who usually come together for the annual event will instead curl up in cars, in their backyards and on couches right across Australia, with each participant joining an interactive, ... Read More »
VINNIES Queensland chief executive officer Kevin Mercy sent out a simple message to anyone affected by COVID-19 joblessness, underemployment or poverty – help is still available. Mr Mercer said to follow health directives meant Vinnies was forced to close its 153 Queensland shops last week for a four-week period from March 30. “The closure was necessary, but done with great ... Read More »
IN Yeppoon, Vinnies volunteer member Rick Williams is working for a desperate community that still doesn’t like asking for help despite an ongoing battle with bushfires and drought. Mr Williams said much of his work as a Vincentian at present had been helping locals re-connect vital services required to return their lives to some sense of normality. “Most of the ... Read More »
RAMMING his car in reverse through the front doors of Vinnies’ West End store, a thief pilfered jewellery for two minutes before speeding back out of the store, narrowly avoiding a pedestrian in the escape. The stolen jewellery was worth $20-$30. The store was looking at about $300 in stock losses from the snatch and grab job. Vinnies Queensland retail ... Read More »
“DISCIPLESHIP in action” is how a parish priest described the selfless contribution of Queenslanders who witnessed their homes surrounded by bush fires, yet took action to help their neighbours. At Peregian Beach in Noosa District Parish, Fr Jason Middleton thanked local Catholics for their generosity of spirit assisting others, as fire raged around them. “They took people into their homes, ... Read More »
ANNETTE Baker has a simple motto – try and do something for someone every day. It’s a motto that’s served her through 19 years with the St Vincent de Paul Society, where she serves as Queensland vice-president. It also took her to win 2017 Community Leader of the Year at The Community Leader Awards. The Vincentian life is a constant ... Read More »
ST Vincent de Paul Society frontline homeless support worker Melissa Hankin has seen more elderly Australians turning to Vinnies in housing crisis in recent months on the Gold Coast. Ms Hankin said it was saddening to see more elderly Australians coming for help, but particularly an increase in older women seeking their services. “Most of the women tend not to ... Read More »
VINNIES Shop West End staff, local conference volunteers and members of the community gathered for the blessing of the new Montague Road store on July 18. Dutton Park parish priest Capuchin Father Lam Vu led a “simple but effective liturgy”, blessing the store with many representatives from the St Vincent de Paul Society present. West End centre co-ordinator Debbi Engler ... Read More »
The Catholic Leader Keeping Faith with You
