The Saint Autumn
ST VINCENT DE PAUL SO CIETY (SA) NEWSLETTER
2010
CHRISTMAS APPEAL 2009 The Christmas Appeal aimed to put the ‘Merry’ back into Christmas for individuals and families less fortunate than ourselves. Thank you to all who once again delivered a successful Christmas Appeal, especially our loyal and committed volunteers, donors and supporters. With your help we were able to make a real difference to the lives of thousands of South Australians.
Lorraine Burford, (Australian Pork Ltd), John Haren, (CEO St Vincent de Paul, SA), Butch Moses (Chair Commercial Pig Section SAFF), and Peter Roberts (Senior Meat Studies Lecturer at Regency TAFE).
REGENCY TAFE - PORK DONATION Australian Pork Limited along with Don KRC (Principal sponsor) and Regency TAFE made their 8th annual presentation of fresh pork to the St Vincent de Paul Society. The 300kg donation with a retail value of approximately $4000 was used to feed homeless men at the Vincentian Centre in Whitmore Square. St Vincent de Paul Society’s CEO John Haren expressed his appreciation and stated the importance of such donations in our support for the disadvantaged in our community.
Dominic Lagana, (State President, St Vincent de Paul Society, SA), Eric Parnis, (Volunteer Winner), Annie O’Neill, (St Vincent de Paul Society, SA).
BOOZE BROTHERS VOLUNTEER AWARD The Booze Brothers Charitable Foundation supports many South Australian Charities. This year St Vincent de Paul Society received the Community Award with Eric Parnis, of Fred’s Van fame, the Outstanding Volunteer award. We thank Booze Brothers and their staff for their generosity ($5000 cheque) and congratulate Eric on his well-deserving award.
Annie O’Neill, (St Vincent de Paul Society, SA), Jarred Puro (Cobham Aviation)
COBHAM AVIATION DONATION COBHAM Aviation Services Australia donated Woolworths ‘Wish Cards’ valued at $2300 to the Society in S.A. This generous donation went towards 2009 Christmas hampers. We are grateful to Jarred Puro and Cobham Aviation for this generous Christmas gift.
Donate now to the winter Appeal Visit www.vinnies.org.au or call 13 18 12
The Saint ST VINCENT DE PAUL SO CIETY (SA) NEWSLETTER
A Message from the State President.
CAVPOWER Cavpower give continued support to the Society; as regular donors they help us with our many ‘special works’ including Fred’s Vans. We invite Shane McEvoy and all like minded CEO’s to participate in our national CEO Sleepout in June.
Harmony, Hope and Happiness.
Dominic Lagana, State President
The simple notion that one isn’t confined to one’s dreams is obvious throughout the life of the St Vincent de Paul Society. When I reflect on the story of our founder Frederic Ozanam, who, at 20 years of age, devoted his life to working for those less fortunate than himself, I gain inspiration. Likewise, people of our time such as Martin Luther King and Mother Theresa, gave hope to others through their enormous displays of courage. In each of these people we see great examples of humanity and service to others.
Two thousand years ago we saw the greatest example in Jesus of Nazareth. Throughout his earthly ministry he gave people hope and encouraged them to look beyond their own needs and to consider the needs of others. He understood, like Frederic Ozanam, Martin Luther King and Mother Theresa, that peace and harmony are the greatest attributes for development that any people can have. Jesus, Martin Luther King, Mother Theresa and Frederic Ozanam also knew that the secret of happiness is to serve others. They created harmony by making others happy. They saw happiness as a shared thing. Jesus said,“ it is more blessed to give than to receive” because it is in the giving, that we receive, although it doesn’t always seem so.
Mr & Mrs Claus at the Toy Run
MRA TOY RUN A great day was had by all at this year’s 31st MRA Toy Run held in December. A huge number of motorcyclists rode from Glenelg to Hahndorf bringing toys and gifts for many children who would have been without gifts this Christmas. We thank the MRA and the general public for their generosity, and all volunteers on the day – special mention to Babs Snook and the Mt Barker & Dernancourt Conferences, Peter Hemmings and his team from the Kidman Park Warehouse, as well as all the Vinnies staff who helped out!
In this edition of the “Saint” we read about the unfailing recipe for harmony, hope and happiness. It is displayed in the articles about people and businesses who have partnered with the Society because they seek and want good for others. Furthermore, through their actions they have become senders of peace by displaying healing and loving behaviours. Each day we are challenged to put thought into action if we seek to have a positive impact on our world. We may often think this requires us to do spectacular things. However, I believe it is the simple things and small displays of “good works” that can have a true and lasting impact. The courtesy of “Please can you?” and, “Thank you” which we can often take for granted, as well as being respectful of difference, sit at the core of creating a more harmonious environment where positive outcomes can be achieved. As we read about the events of the Society that have bought hope and happiness into people’s lives lets us remember to do the simple things. “Serve and want the best for others”. It is within this environment that the story of Frederic Ozanam continues – in the serving of others without passing judgement – the unfailing recipe for happiness is complete and we all become senders of peace.
Dominic Lagana State President
The Wiggles on Stage
WIGGLES CONCERT We were invited to be part of the recent Adelaide Wiggles concert. Our volunteers saw the circus-style show and sang along with Dorothy the Dinosaur and the Wiggles. We also managed to collect money for Vinnies! Thanks to all our Volunteers who came to help out on behalf of St Vincent de Paul Society.
The Saint ST VINCENT DE PAUL SO CIETY (SA) NEWSLETTER
NATIONAL COMPEER CONFERENCE Compeer is an award winning volunteering program that helps break down the stigma and isolation associated with mental illness through friendship and support. Compeer Adelaide hosted the National Compeer Conference in November this year. For the first time volunteers and participants were invited to talk about their personal experiences and involvement with Compeer! Their presentations and courage were inspirational and the audience members gained a great deal from listening to their stories and achievements. Well done Compeer staff, volunteers and participants, South Australia has set a new standard!
Tom Koutsantonis, Minister for Correctional Services – handing over Calico Bags to Vinnies
CALICO BAG DONATION Women at the Adelaide Women’s Prison made 1000 calico shopping bags for Vinnies, Salvation Army and Uniting Care Wesley. The bags were sewn by inmates as support for our work with the ‘good works’ endorsed by Tom Koutsantonis, Minister for Correctional Services. Bags were distributed with Christmas Hampers in the Fleurieu Region. We thank everyone involved for their generosity.
Creative art fun at Youth Camp
YOUTH CAMP The Vinnies Youth Programs have existed with the Society for over 15 years. The Leadership of the programs is made up of volunteers who prepare and facilitate the activities and camps with support and management provided by the Youth Co-ordinator. For one week every January, around 30-40 children aged 6-12 years old and a group of volunteers participate in the OZO Camp. Camp activities include sports, art and craft, cooking, talent shows, quiz nights, night walks and stargazing. Throughout the week, children make friends, develop new skills, learn how to work as a team and build up their confidence and self-esteem.
ACCU LOTTERY NOTICE Australian Central Credit Union lottery books are now available so get your order to Angela Gordon pronto or you may miss out! Tel: 8112 8714.
RECORD FOR NORWOOD
Clients from Somalia, Bhutan and Sudan visiting the new Service
MIGRANT & REFUGEE SERVICES
On Tuesday 12th January Liz Thompson and her team at the Norwood Family Centre sold 500 items, including 212 articles of women’s wear and 136 items of Bric-a-Brac.
Migrant and Refugee Service has moved to 564 Port Road Allenby Gardens, just a few stops up Port Road (Stop 14). This service provides support, emergency relief, advice and advocacy to new migrants and refugees on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
This money will be used for the other ‘good works’ of the Society, making a real difference in the lives of people who really need it. Our thanks to Liz and the team of dedicated, hard-working volunteers.
564 Port Road is also the home of the St Vincent de Paul Sewing Conference. Every Wednesday the group comes together to make beautiful layettes and other items for those in need.
The Saint ST VINCENT DE PAUL SO CIETY (SA) NEWSLETTER
UPCOMING EVENTS FOR 2010 350 YEAR ANNIVERSARY Over the next twelve months the Vincentian family will commemorate the 350th anniversary of the deaths of St Vincent de Paul and Saint Louise de Marillac. Vincentians throughout the world will acknowledge the rich spiritual traditions of these great Saints.
Sharon Wachtel and Angela Gordon
STAFF CHANGES
CEO SLEEPOUT 17th June 2010 marks a unique St Vincent de Paul Society event for SA and the nation. Our CEO Sleepout encourages business leaders to sleep rough, experience homelessness first hand and raise money for Vinnies. We are pleased to announce that the venue for Adelaide’s CEO Sleepout will be at the iconic Adelaide Zoo, near the pandas! Talk with your CEO colleagues and encourage them to be involved or contact Wayne Broadbridge or Angela Gordon for more details Tel: 8112 8712. It’ll be a great event!
ORATION BREAKFAST Every gift no matter how large or small is important to Vinnies, so please keep us in your thoughts.
24TH MARCH 2010 This year’s Oration Breakfast will be held at the Convention Centre commencing 7am for 7:30am start on 24 March. Cost is $55 per person or $500 for a table of 10. John Doyle AC, QC, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of South Australia, will deliver the oration at Adelaide Convention Centre – ‘Thinking about Justice’. Funds raised from the event assist tertiary students with scholarships. The event raises awareness and understanding of the ‘good works’ of the Society. For more information Tel: 8112 8712.
Welcome to Sharon Wachtel who has taken up a new role at the St Vincent de Paul Society as Community Engagement Facilitator. This position oversees and supports many of the Special Works programmes such as mental health, migrant and refugees, schools and youth. Sharon has worked in health and community development in both not-for-profit and government based settings. Sharon is based at Franklin Street office. We are pleased to announce that Angela Gordon is now on board as the new Fundraising & Events Co-ordinator; she can be contacted on Tel: 8112 8714.
Acknowledgements
We wish to thank the following for their ongoing valuable support to the Society: Members, Volunteers & Donors Adelaide Central Plaza, Adelaide Zoo, Australian Central Credit Union, Booze Brothers, Cavpower, Cobham Aviation, Community Benefit SA, Regency TAFE, MRA Toy Run Committee