Many of Vinnies services would not exist without the kindness of individuals and businesses who donate to fundraising efforts such as the Christmas Appeal. Photo: Vinnies.
Paddy McGrath from Vinnies Canberra/Goulburn has noticed a growing need in the community for the charity’s relief services and waning resources, but he has good reason to be hopeful.
The Director of Community Engagement and Youth Programs said there have been “startling” increases in calls to the Vinnies Helpline in some areas, but the organisation’s local volunteer groups on the frontlines of their community work are reporting great feats of generosity from individuals, parishes, community groups and schools.
“We can all be very proud of the children of this generation, they have a great sense of social justice. I have a lot of faith in their social consciences, and their upbringing,” he said.
“We’ve had social groups and businesses offering to pack and supply our hampers and just today, a group of people who work at a Catholic Education Office gave up what they were going to spend at their Christmas towards that program.
“Canberrans are unyieldingly generous. It warms your heart.”
Last year, Vinnies packed 2000 hampers to help families through the Christmas season. This year, they’ll need at least as many, likely many more, as the cost of living bites.
“The scary thing is we’re seeing people we haven’t seen for five years; people who had gotten back on their feet,” Paddy said.
“We have about 40 conferences doing all the hard work in the community across the region, with about a dozen in each group, and they’re all saying the same thing: the pressure is increasing and people are really doing it tough.”
Vinnies Director of Community Engagement and Youth Programs Patrick McGrath said there have been “startling” increases to Vinnies call centres in some areas. Photo: Thomas Lucraft.
In 2022, Vinnies helped people in the region nearly 37,000 times, distributing $2 million worth of emergency support in just 12 months.
This included a particularly sharp increase in demand for food and utilities bills, but also rent, clothing and more.
It also included the cost of running their two Night Patrol vans, which go out 365 nights a year feeding and helping people around Canberra. Last year, the vans clocked over 8000 instances of assistance.
Paddy said the focus is giving people a hand up with the “highest level of dignity”.
“We call them companions, not clients because we walk along with them and try to help them out of what they see as impossible situations,” Paddy said.
“The practical aid is important, however, the interaction they get from our volunteers such as those on Night Patrol is equally important. It plays a crucial role in helping them get back up on their feet again.
Every dollar of profits raised at the Vinnies charity stores goes back into funding the organisation’s projects such as the Night Patrol, home visitations and youth programs. Photo: Thomas Lucraft.
The hampers and Night Patrol support, home visitations and youth programs are just a few examples among many of Vinnies services that would not exist without the income generated from the Vinnies shops and the kindness of individuals and businesses who donate to fundraising efforts such as the Christmas Appeal.
“We know that the cost of living crisis impacts everyone – including those who give. But people are amazing, they recognise they have blessings in life that others don’t,” Paddy said.
If you wish to help Vinnies Canberra/Goulburn deliver their services this festive season, you can donate to their Christmas Appeal or volunteer.
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