SOCIAL JUSTICE
SNAPSHOT COMMUNITY
SUPPORT By Dr Andy Marks andy.marks@vinnies.org.au
10 September 2009
Vinnies Centres: Much more than just op-shops
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ost people would be aware of St Vincent de Paul Society shops or Vinnies Centres as they are fondly referred to. In the eyes of the general public, Centres have long been the most recognisable face of the Society in Australia. There is however more to Vinnies Centres then the provision of affordable second-hand goods. Vinnies Centres play a critical part in the St Vincent de Paul Society’s work. Centres are a vital link between the Society and the people it serves. Thirty-four year-old Joanne came to a Vinnies Centre in a regional town in South Western NSW when she was unable to pay her rent, cover bills or afford school uniforms for her two children.
“It took me a long time to work up the courage to come into the store. I paced around outside for half-an-hour before I came in. I needn’t have worried.” “It took me a long time to work up the courage to come into the store”, says Joanne. “I paced around outside for halfan-hour before I came in”, she adds. “I needn’t have worried. When I asked the lady at the counter if I could get help, she was very nice, she didn’t make me feel embarrassed by asking awkward questions”.
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Joanne continues, “She took me to a private room and said she would arrange for some people to visit me at home and talk to me about my situation. She said they were local Vinnies members. They were great, really understanding.” Joanne’s story is common. Many people find it difficult to ask for help. Be it pride or a range of other reasons, it is often hard to take that first step. Frances and Jim, the two members from the local Society conference who spoke to Joanne about her predicament are very experienced in working with people in crisis. “The key”, says Jim, “is being a good listener. You’ve got to let them tell their story, make them feel understood. Then you can go about addressing the problem.” Frances believes having a dedicated interview space in the Vinnies Centre is of vital importance to the work the Society does in her region. “Being able to tell their story in a quiet space to supportive people is very important to the people we’ve assisted”, she says. The visibility of the Vinnies Centre within the local community is also critical. “People know where we are”, says Frances. “If they need help they know they can come here. Importantly, they know they’ll be welcomed and they won’t be judged.” A total of 67,603 people were referred for assistance through Vinnies Centres last year. With the local and global economic situation remaining uncertain, this figure may increase in the coming months. In some metropolitan areas, specialised Society referral offices operate in addition to Vinnies Centres. Much of the sense of community that abounds in Vinnies Centres stems from the volunteers who make up the greatest proportion of the staff. Offering their time and good will, Centre volunteers are in many ways the heart of the operation.
“People know where we are. If they need help they know they can come here. Importantly, they know they’ll be welcomed and they won’t be judged.” Whether sorting goods, manning the register, engaging with customers or contributing in innumerable other ways, volunteers bring an extraordinary level of vitality, commitment and compassion to their work. The good works the successful operation of Centres enables the Society to conduct would not be possible without the help of thousands of volunteers.
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“It’s nice to feel that I’m part of something positive”, says long term Vinnies Centre volunteer Delilah. “We’re like a big family here”, comments fellow volunteer Judy. “We’re probably a little bit mad too”, quips Delilah, displaying the sense of humour common among volunteers. This is one of many human factors that sets Vinnies Centres apart from other outlets. With more than 260 outlets across NSW alone, Vinnies Centres have greater coverage than most major commercial shopping chains. The purpose of Centres however is naturally very different from conventional commercial enterprises. Perhaps the most distinctive feature of the Society’s Centres is their provision of good quality second-hand goods.
“The key is being a good listener. You’ve got to let them tell their story, make them feel understood. Then you can go about addressing the problem.” The Society keeps detailed records of the distribution and sale of goods through our Centre’s and we can confidently attest that our outlets provide an affordable and viable shopping alternative to many disadvantaged families and individuals. This is particularly the case during tough economic times like now when many people are simply unable to afford the prices charged by mainstream outlets. Not only are Vinnies Centres an affordable shopping alternative for a growing number of Australians, they are also an ethical shopping choice. As one of the nation’s biggest providers of second-hand goods, Vinnies Centres have been promoting the environmental benefits of recycling for decades. In addition to the sale of affordable items, a considerable volume of goods from Centres is provided via local Conferences as assistance to people in need. Last year alone, goods topping $2.8 million in value were distributed to disadvantaged families and individuals throughout the state. This included clothing, household goods, furniture and other quality items.
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With the Society constantly working to improve the operation of its Centres, it is clear they will continue to be a vital facet of the St Vincent de Paul Society’s good works.
“We’re like a big family here. We’re probably a little bit mad too!” Judy, Vinnies Centre Volunteer
The support and awareness Vinnies Centres enjoy from the general public will also ensure they will always be at the heart of the local community. SJ
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