Vinnies shops throughout Illawarra and the NSW South Coast urgently need more volunteers to help with retail operations.
Some stores are facing the possibility of reduced opening hours or closure without
additional volunteers.
Shops in locations such as Nowra, Ulladulla, Callala Bay, Kiama, Shellharbour, Oak Flats, Thirroul, Fairy Meadow, Warrawong, Corrimal and Wollongong are in desperate need of volunteers who can assist customers, sort donations and help with day-to-day tasks.
Those who give their time to volunteer with Vinnies are directly helping St Vincent de Paul Society raise vital funds, which provides assistance to people who are experiencing disadvantage such as homelessness, domestic and family violence, and poverty.
“We deeply appreciate anyone who can volunteer their time to support our shops in the Illawarra and South Coast regions of New South Wales,” says Sarah Harris, Retail Area Manager.
“Our volunteers are vital. They empower us to assist those in need and amplify our impact within the local community.”
Anyone who is interested in volunteering with Vinnies is encouraged to apply online or visit their local store to meet the team in person.
In the past financial year, approximately 5750 retail and logistics volunteers helped Vinnies to sell over 3.4 million items of pre-loved clothing and goods around the state.
“Vinnies volunteers embody our vision of a fairer and more compassionate society,” says Ms. Harris.
“Despite their busy lives, dedicating just a few hours during the week or a day on the weekend can make a tremendous difference.”
In the past year, St Vincent de Paul Society NSW assisted over 12,000 individuals in the South Coast/Illawarra region and distributed over $1.5m in financial and material assistance to residents in need, a 44% increase on the previous year.
Of the people reaching out, 92% needed food assistance and 40% were experiencing housing stress
