By Ashleigh Fielding | posted on December 21, 2017
ALLEVIATING hardship and providing hope are the goals of the St Vincent de Paul Society this Christmas.
Their ability to provide practical support, financial assistance, specialist services, advocacy and friendship has helped Australians in need since the Australian society’s conception in the 1850s.
St Vincent de Paul Society spokesperson Carl Prowse said some of the work the Albany branch will be doing this Christmas includes providing clothing, homewares and furniture to those in need, as well as providing emergency relief assistance.
“Vinnies is committed to helping people break the cycle of disadvantage,” Mr Prowse said.
“Our volunteers will provide hope this Christmas by delivering hampers to people experiencing hardship, and continue to assist with essentials such as food, clothing and bill payments through our emergency relief program.”
“Vinnies is extremely grateful for the support it has and will continue to receive from the Albany community.”
The St Vincent de Paul Society’s major project this year has been the 2017 Christmas Appeal, in which they hope to raised more than half a million dollars to aid disadvantaged Western Australians.
According to the Society, 13.3 per cent of Australians are living in poverty, of which 731,000 are children.
The Society is calling on people to donate funds towards care packages, food, safety and rent for those in need this Christmas.
“Vinnies aims to raise $600,000 for the 2017 Christmas Appeal,” Mr Prowse said.
“If people would like to make a financial donation, they can visit vinnies.org.au or call 13 18 12.”
The St Vincent de Paul Society can provide low-income support, aid with housing, health matters and education, as well as help refugees and migrants.
If you are seeking emergency relief assistance from the St Vincent de Paul Society, you can contact the Albany branch on 9842 2386.
