By Theresia Titus
Saint Vincent de Paul Society (Vinnies WA) is inviting Perth Catholics to make donations through its Autumn Spirit Appeal, which is dedicated to those who are facing financial hardship caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
Supporting more than 55,000 Western Australians per year, Vinnies WA hopes the appeal enables them to continue their services to the most vulnerable in the community.
Vinnies WA State President Gladys Demissie said those who were most vulnerable in the community “will be facing challenging times ahead”.
“Together with the rise in living costs, lack of access to social and affordable housing and the loss of jobs, people are going to need our assistance even more,” Mrs Demissie said.
“It is during these times of hardship that your continued support and kindness make all the difference and we sincerely thank you if you can make an online donation.”
Vinnies WA faces challenge to derive income from their shops while also meeting the rising demand for their service as “more and more people are finding themselves at the brink of poverty and homelessness”.
With the current situation, Vinnies WA believes the community needs generosity, which can make a great impact.
It is through donating that “people will play a critical role in helping so many who are vulnerable”.
“The donations will go services which help over 50,000 Western Australians with a helping hand when times are hard.”
Using a varied service delivery model, Vinnies WA plans to provide Emergency Assistance to members of the community who need food assistance, bill payments, rent assistance, furniture requests, and advocacy.
“Vinnies WA will not be conducting the usual home visitations or face to face support due to the risk of COVID-19 but will be providing support to eligible individuals and families through other means including food drop-offs, online support, vouchers and financial support.”
The donated funds will also be used to deliver “a range of highly specialised services and programs that focus on improving the lives of some of the most vulnerable people in our community”, which include “a recovery-focussed mental health service, low barrier services which assist people to forge a pathway out of homelessness, programs for young people, financial counselling”.
The option to donate online will remain available for several months.
Vinnies WA has continued with the same compassion and vision that its founder, Frédéric Ozanam, shared for more than 150 years with a commitment to work “towards a more equal and just society to improve the lives of over 55,000 disadvantaged Western Australians every year”.
For anyone requires assistance, requests can be made by calling Vinnies WA call centres on 1300 794 054.
To make an online donation via the Vinnies WA’s website, click here: https://donate.vinnies.org.au/appeals-wa/autumn-spirit-appeal-wa