St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria Inc

Good works
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About Us

The St Vincent de Paul Society in Australia has more than 40,000 members and volunteers, who work hard to assist people in need and combat social injustice across Australia. Internationally, the Society operates in 149 countries and has over 950,000 members.

St Vincent de Paul Society

Our Structure

Mission & Vision

Spirituality

History

Strategic Plan


Programs and Services

Nationally, the St Vincent de Paul Society offers in excess of two hundred programs and services designed to help those who are socially excluded and marginalised. We do this by respecting people's dignity, sharing our hope, and encouraging them to take control of their own destiny.

Summary of services

  • Housing and homelessness services
  • Food
  • Addiction
  • Aged care
  • Disability employment
  • Finances
  • Health and wellbeing
  • General support

Click here to find your local services available


Vinnies Shops

Vinnies is your number one destination for affordable and pre-loved items. Everything you buy or donate inspires change in your local community.

Enter your suburb or postcode for information on how to donate, volunteer and find the Vinnies shops closest to you. With 650 stores across Australia, your local Vinnies is probably closer than you think!

Click here to find your closest Vinnies shop


Get Involved

St Vincent de Paul Society is always looking for motivated community minded people to get involved in our programs, events & services nationwide. Here are some ways you can help...


Donate

The reasons to donate are all around us.

With your support, Vinnies can provide much-needed assistance to the people in our community that need it most. Together, we can do something about it.

Current Appeals

Financial Donations

Offline Donations

Wills & Bequests

Donate Goods

FAQs
General - Who does the Society help?
The St Vincent de Paul Society’s members and volunteers reach out to the most vulnerable in our community through our Conferences, Special Works and Vinnies shops. Members and volunteers assist people in need and do not discriminate against cultural, religious or political beliefs.
How big is the St Vincent de Paul Society?
The St Vincent de Paul Society is an international organisation operating in 149 countries and has over 950,000 members worldwide. The Society has a presence on every continent in the world with the exception of Antarctica perhaps.
How is the St Vincent de Paul Society staffed?
The Society’s work is carried out by members and volunteers and is supported by a small number of professional staff.
Is the St Vincent de Paul Society a part of the Catholic Church?
The Society is a lay Catholic organisation and does not receive any direct funding from the Catholic Church. The Society enjoys a close relationship with the Catholic Church and is assisted through parishes and schools.
Funding - Where does the money come from?
The Society raises money from its members, through Parish poor boxes, proceeds from items sold at Vinnies shops, donations from the public and some government funding.
How do I donate to the St Vincent de Paul Society?
You can donate to the Society by using the online donation facility provided on this website or by calling the 13 18 12. Donations of $2 and more to the Society are tax deductible. Donations of clothing, furniture and household goods can also be made at your local Vinnies shop. This donation will go towards assisting people in your local area.
If I donate money does it actually go to those who need it?
When you donate to a specific Special Work we ensure that it goes directly to where you want it. The Society prides itself on ensuring all funds donated are used specifically for what they are intended. We have the lowest administration fees of any other Australian charity because of our huge volunteer
What happens to goods donated to Vinnies Shops?
Vinnies shops resource local conference activities, providing clothing or furniture free of charge to struggling families or individuals identified through the home visitation process. Goods donated at Vinnies shops assist this process but remaining stock is also sold to the public at reasonable prices thus generating revenue which helps fund the Society’s work within the community.
Who/what are members of the Society?
A member of the Society is a volunteer who joins a conference and attends regular meetings which include scripture discussion, prayer, reflection and how to improve assistance given within the local conference area. A member takes part in the work of the Society providing assistance through charitable works including home visitation.
Who founded the St Vincent de Paul Society in Australia?
The St Vincent de Paul Society was founded in Australia on 5 March 1854 at St Francis’ Church, Lonsdale Street, Melbourne by Fr Gerald Ward. Fr Gerald Archbold Ward was born in London 1806 and migrated to Australia on the 787-ton Digby on 7 September 1850 with Fr Patrick Dunne and 42 other passengers. Fr Ward died the 14 January 1858 at the age of 52.
                    
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