The Trustees of the Society of St Vincent de Paul (NSW) ABN: 46 472 591 335
12th January 2010
Ozanam Village 2C West Street Lewisham NSW 2049 PO Box 5 Petersham NSW 2049 Telephone: (02) 9560 8666 Facsimile: (02) 9550 9383
Vinnies strongly refutes SMH article Donor data remains confidential
Email: vinnies@vinnies.org.au Website: www.vinnies.org.au Donation Hotline: 13 18 12
The St Vincent de Paul Society strongly rejects allegations it has breached the privacy of its donors (Charity ‘breached’ privacy, The Age, 12 January/Vinnies 'misused' donor data, Sydney Morning Herald, 12 January). The mailing being questioned was not directed to existing Society supporters. It was designed to acquire new donors in New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia, and was mailed to a list of consenting addresses provided by Acxiom. The survey included with the mailing was designed to assess recipients’ understanding of homelessness and our work, and provided opportunity to opt out of a response. We have had a strong, positive response to the mailing. The donations and new donor information will allow us to further refine our fundraising practice and continue our work with the 1.8 million Australians who reach out to us for assistance. Naturally we will continue to review the effectiveness of this program and our procedures so we can continue to meet the expectations of Society members and our supporters. E DS For further information please contact Julie McDonald, Manager, Community & Corporate Relations, St Vincent de Paul Society SW, 02 9568 0225 / 0406 335 348 / julie.mcdonald@vinnies.org.au
Every day in NSW the Society assists thousands of people through Home Visitation, Migrant and Refugee Assistance, Hospital and Prison Visitation, Aged Care Services, Vinnies Centres, Supported Employment Services for People with an Intellectual Disability, Hostels for Homeless Men, Women and Families, Overseas Relief, Disaster Recovery, Budget Counselling and Youth Programs.