National Council of Australia Inc ABN 46 472 591 335 001
Units 4-5, 22 Thesiger Court DEAKIN ACT 2600 PO Box 243 DEAKIN WEST ACT 2600 Telephone: 02 6202 1200 Facsimile: 02 6285 0153 Website: www.vinnies.org.au
Media Release Embargoed 12.01 AM, Sat. 13th Dec 2008
Vinnies stays up-beat The National President of the St Vincent de Paul Society, Mr Syd Tutton, today rejected claims that charities are being left unsupported. “At a time of severe economic downturn”, he said, “I am more grateful than ever for the incredible generosity of Australians. I know that people are giving what they can and I think that this is the spirit that will pull us through as a nation.” “The St Vincent de Paul Society, as the largest provider of non-government welfare in Australia, wishes to thank our generous donors and volunteers for their support for those in need throughout 2008”, said Mr Tutton. “It is the people who continue to do it tough that we should all focus on, especially the young people who are increasingly left out, as noted in a recent ACOSS report.” ‘With a downturn in the economic activity of the global village let us face the current challenges by remembering the words of Franklin D. Roosevelt: “We have nothing to fear but fear itself.”’ ‘Roosevelt also called for a change in the way we think of society, a change that could be measured by “the extent to which we apply social values more noble than mere monetary profit.”’ “At this time of love rather than greed, let us make space for the world of faith. Let us make space for the people who have been left out and forgotten.” “May the love and peace of Christmas be with all Australians.”
Contact:
Syd Tutton John Falzon
0419313960 0421332247
Every day in NSW & ACT the Society helps many thousands of people through Home Visitation, Migrant and Refugee Assistance, Hospital Visitation, Prison Visitation, Aged and Special Care Services, Retail Centres, Sheltered Workcentres, Hostels for Homeless Men, Women and Children, Overseas Relief, Disaster Recovery, Budget Counselling and Youth Programs.