ABOUT VINNIES

The St Vincent de Paul Society, affectionately known as ‘Vinnies’, is dedicated to shaping a more just and compassionate community. Our organisation has united over 2,500 volunteers to help offer a hand up to people in need through varied community support programs and social advocacy.

The St Vincent de Paul Society was founded in Paris in 1833 by a 20-year-old university student, Frederic Ozanam who was determined to take action to support people living in poverty. His vision extended to Australian shores and in 1865 the first branch of the St Vincent de Paul Society was established in Western Australia.

To this day, our Emergency Relief program continues to uphold Frederic Ozanam’s honour and legacy. We have 75 volunteer groups throughout Western Australia, known as Conferences, which assist vulnerable and disadvantaged people when they need it most. We provide financial assistance when bills mount up, material aid, meals when they are few or far between, and friendship during times of personal crisis. We do this face to face through home visitations or at one of our support centres.

In addition to our Emergency Relief program, we also operate a number of specialised programs and services including a recovery-focused mental health service, specialist services to prevent or alleviate homelessness, recreational programs for children and teenagers, financial counselling, migrant and refugee programs, distribution centre operations and Vinnies shops.

For further information on Vinnies or to learn about other ways you can support people in need in your local community visit www.vinnies.org.au or call 08 6323 7500.