St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria Inc.
Newsletter 240 December 2008
A PUBLICATION FOR SOCIETY MEMBERS, VOLUNTEERS AND S TA F F
U P D AT E
Help change their story this
Christmas
While most children his age are hoping for bikes or computers this Christmas, Ben will be happy with a decent meal. He’d like a night where Mum and Dad’s arguing about money doesn’t keep him awake. Where, for once, they feel like a normal family. The unfortunate truth is Ben’s story is not unique. There’s great need in communities all across Australia. It’s not just families who are suffering, either. Young men and women, the elderly, the homeless, those with mental and physical health issues, people with alcohol or drug dependencies, refugees – the St Vincent de Paul Society will be supporting them all this Christmas. The real problem is that the current economic climate is hitting those Australians who can least afford it hardest. With fuel and housing prices the way they are, people who have worked hard and saved what they can are simply finding it impossible to make ends meet. Already, around 5,000 people a day are turning to the Society for help and we expect things to get worse before they get better. And for those just managing to get by, Christmas is so often the final straw – both financially and emotionally. Imagine facing the prospect of another festive season alone, with not even a phone call from distant relatives to share the Christmas cheer. If you’re a parent, could you tell your kids that: “Santa won’t be visiting again this year”? As a child, could you put on a brave face knowing your classmates will get the toys your family can’t afford? Just as with Ben’s family, we can change the story for those in need. But we can’t do it without your help. Our good works rely on the generosity of people like you. As an independent charity, the St Vincent de Paul Society relies on the goodwill of people in the communities where we work. In the face of overwhelming demand, our fundraising activities have been extended this year, which means there are now a number of ways you can support Vinnies. The first is by making a donation. Your kind gift may provide food for a farming family affected by drought, pay an elderly person’s electricity bill or buy a present for a child in one of our women’s refuges. Another way to support the Society is by becoming part of the Secret Santa campaign. We invite you to take part and enjoy all the fun while your donation will help change someones story. For more details on how to become a Secret Santa, see page 2.
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U P D AT E
Thank you Vinnies
State President ’s Update BY JIM GREALISH
A BIG hello from over the ditch in Tauranga New Zealand. I just wanted to say, that at a time that was needed, you helped my son with furniture etc. He was very grateful for your help. I have since become a volunteer in Tauranga. I do hours in the shop plus I have become a member of the St Mary's Conference. I just love what I am doing (helping others less fortunate) and hope to continue for many years to come. Thank you so much for helping my son and for showing me that there is a way to help others BLESS YOU Maureen Jury Ed. This letter was reprinted with Maureen’s kind permission
To all our members, volunteers, staff, supporters and friends It is my privilege and pleasure to extend Christmas greetings to you all. At the same time may I thank you for the efforts you have made for the work of the St Vincent de Paul Society throughout 2008. As the recently published Annual Report shows we support many diverse activities. Without your contribution in time or talent, or in other ways, none of this work would be possible. The year now closing has seen an upsurge in the response to the call to faith of many young men and women who participated in the events of World Youth Day. A good number have chosen to live out that response by supporting the works of the Society. We welcome them to the Society and look forward to the way they will shape its future. In a few weeks we will pass into 2009. From where we stand today the outlook, to say the least, is gloomy. We know that the services we provide are likely to be placed under great pressure. However, I am confident that, with your continued support we will meet the challenges which lie ahead of us. May the Lord reward you all with a Christmas season of peace, a time of renewal with your families, and some time for rest and recreation for yourselves.
Enjoy the fun of becoming a
Secret Santa
Are you tired of getting useless novelty gifts from your Secret Santa? Surprise your Secret Santa this year with a gift of hope in the Vinnies Secret Santa Appeal. ‘Tis the season to receive novelty mugs, calendars and t-shirts as part of the usual office or social club Secret Santa/Kris Kringle held all over Australia. This year, Vinnies is giving you the chance to take part in the fun while giving something more meaningful. Specifically, your support – to the many thousands of Australians in need this Christmas. The way it works is simple. You donate your Secret Santa money online through vinnies.org.au/secretsanta to help change the story of someone in need. Then you choose from a number of fun, tongue-in-cheek downloadable cards that you can give your colleague or friend instead of a present, which is in the festive spirit but is a far more meaningful gift. Of course, the more people who get involved in the appeal, the better. So please spread the word to all your friends. With over 5,000 Australians a day asking Vinnies for help, this is one Secret Santa gift that will keep people smiling over Christmas. Please take a look at vinnies.org.au/secretsanta and join the Secret Santa fun. By taking part, you'll be helping to re-write someone's story this Christmas. And that's something a novelty pen will never do.
Congratulations The St Vincent de Paul Society congratulates recent award winners for their work in the community. You truly are inspirational to us all. Kay Middleton Altona resident and Society member for 17 years, Kay Middleton was recently awarded the Community Support Award for her volunteer work at the Hobsons Bay Volunteer Awards. “It’s humbling to me to win. I didn’t expect it but I love the work I do. I enjoy seeing the people I visit and having a chat with them.” Bob Pollock Red Cliffs resident Bob Pollock was recently awarded with the Parks Victoria Regional Achiever Award for his efforts in getting the Vinnies Budget Grocery in Mildura off the ground. “Winning the award was very unexpected. We have some really great people helping out at the store and it’s been marvellous how it’s taken off in Mildura.”
U P D AT E Vinnies Centres
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Vinnies & Oz Enterprises join forces
Vinnies Centres has recorded another outstanding year in 20072008 with sales up by $2,077,000 (14%) from 2006-2007. Centres have provided material aid (clothing, furniture and household items) to the value of $1,279,700 during 2007-2008. To everyone involved we thank you for your work and support in all areas. We look forward to another year full of innovation, initiatives and development as we strive to provide the best service possible to our staff, volunteers and the people we serve.
Vinnies Centres The following centres are now open or will be opening soon: z
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Kangaroo Flat 98 High St Kangaroo Flat 3555 Mornington 175-179 Mornington-Tyabb Rd Mornington 3931 Wodonga 1/132 High St Wodonga 3690
Note: We are proud to announce the opening of a new site in Mornington, located on the Mornington-Tyabb Road. Redevelopment options are currently being reviewed for our former site at 184 Main Street which was badly damaged by fire earlier this year. Staff and many of the volunteers from Main Street will recommence at Mornington-Tyabb Road pending the redevelopment of the site. Our sincere thanks to everyone involved.
An initiative will see Vinnies Centres and Ozanam Enterprises working together in the new year. Ozanam Enterprises, located in Mornington, offers a range of services in packaging and assembly as well as timber products manufacturing. The Vinnies Centre in Carrum Downs will be trialling the sale of timber products which include toy boxes, CD/DVD stands and wine boxes. These items have all been made by people with a disability who are employed at Ozanam Enterprises. Pictured above and displaying timber products they have made at Ozanam Enterprises are (l to r):Jamie, John, Paul and Robert. “This is a great opportunity for us to support people with a disability and provides a great opportunity for Vinnies Centres include a new product range into their stores,” said Chris Taylor, Operations Manager at Ozanam Enterprises.
Prayers are requested for... Deceased Members, Volunteers, Family and Friends Fr Pat Bohan Chaplain, Ballarat North Conference Alfred Dupuy Member, Sorrento Conference Tom Farrelly Member, Airport West Conference Jack Flanagan Member, Croydon Conference Pam Griffin Wife of John, Ringwood Conference Jean McCarry Ex-Member, Airport West Conference Gerry McInerney Ex-President, Langwarrin Conference Jack Pola Member, Warrnambool West Conference Trevor Powell Ex-Member & Husband of Fay, Strathmore Conference Elisabeth Van Gemst Member, St Albans Conference To ensure correct acknowledgement please forward any requests for prayers to Philip Mackey by phone on 03 9895 5837 or email philipm@svdp-vic.org.au.
Ozanam Enterprises provides employment and training for people with a disability through meaningful work and skill development which enhances self-esteem, improves their sense of self-worth and to reach their full potential in a workplace. But the partnership doesn’t end there. Vinnies Centres are also working with Ozanam Enterprises who are creating a range of items for shop fit-outs including: mobile display units, cutlery boxes, LP record boxes and stands, picture display units, shadow boxes and purpose built storage cupboards that sit behind the counters. “This expanded range of products has not only allowed Ozanam Enterprises to better utilise our range of timber manufacturing equipment but also allows us to provide important and additional training for our employees,” said Chris. Vinnies Centre Business Development Manager, Paul Goggin said, “We are excited to introduce a range of retail timber product into our centres in partnership with Ozanam Enterprises. The timber product will give us a new opportunity to broaden our retail offer and increase our sales. Our aim is to develop a unique product range which will be embraced and supported by the public. We are also appreciative that Ozanam Enterprises can supply quality shop fixtures for our new and refurbished centres.” Congratulations and good luck to all involved in the development of partnership between Vinnies Centres and Ozanam Enterprises.
U P D AT E International Day of People with a Disability
S (l to r) Glenn Hodgkin, Dianne Fieldhouse, Mark Stenhouse, Christopher Fisher, AnneMarie Lawson, Doug Kent, Maurie Joyce and Carmel Kelly
The International Day of People with a Disability was established in 1992 by the United Nations General Assembly to promote awareness of disability issues and the abilities of people with a disability. Celelebrated annually on 3 December each year, it is a day where Ozanam Enterprises celebrate the successes of the program and look at the skills, abilities and contributions to the communities we participate in. As part of this we celebrate supported employees that have made a significant contribution to Ozanam Enterprises through their length of service. This year we acknowledge: z 10 years of service Cameron, Lincoln, Rosie, Brady z 20 years of service Mel z 30 years of service Paul, Leanne We take this opportunity also to acknowledge the ongoing partnership with Padua College through the Linked Hands program. Linked Hands is a great example of the positive impact that people with a disability can make on the wider community. Over the years, employees and students have filled a variety of roles. Linked Hands commenced in 1997 when Bill McGowan and Carmel Kelly met at an Ozanam Open Day. From this meeting a fortnightly lunchtime visit was trialled. Soon after work activities commenced at Padua including
numeracy and literacy classes. Work experience opportunities at Ozanam Enterprises were also made available to students. In 1999 the program was expanded to include weekends away. This provided opportunities for social interaction to both students and employees away from the workplace and classroom. Since its inception around 60 Padua staff, 700 students and 70 employees have been involved in this program. To celebrate this program Ozanam Enterprises and St Vincent de Paul Aged Care & Community Services would like to implement an annual award to a Padua College student who over the years has become a valued member of the Ozanam Community. To honour Bill and Carmel for their dedication in ensuring the ongoing success of Linked Hands it will be known as the McGowan-Kelly Linked Hands Award. The inaugural winner has been involved in the linked hands program over a number of years and has attended weekend away trips. They have been involved in numerous activities and always provided outstanding support to our employees. This year’s winner of the McGowanKelly Linked Hands Award is Christopher Fisher. Congratulations Chris and thank you for all your support. Glenn Hodgkin General Manager Disability Employment Services
Homework Tutoring Program Coordinator The St Vincent de Paul Society and Centacare Melbourne are running a homework tutoring program for children who are educationally disadvantaged. The program operates in Dandenong, 8 to 10 hours per week including Saturday mornings. The volunteers tutor students from Grade 5 through to Year 8. The coordinator’s role involves developing and overseeing the program and includes resource management, student supervision and interaction, strengthening ties with the local community. Teaching or training experience will be favourably considered for this paid position. For further information please contact Mohana Maity on 9895 5873 or 0448 359 537
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Christmas Appeal Monday 10 November 2008 Sunday 31 January 2009 Retreat | Walking with Ozanam Latrobe Valley Baw Baw Region Saturday 21 February 2009 Retreat | Praying with Ozanam Wimmera Region Tuesday 10 March 2009 Ozanam Lecture 2009 Thursday 19 March 2009 St Francis’ Church Lonsdale Street, Melbourne Annual Golf Day Sunday 29 March 2009 Sandringham Golf Links Contributions to Societynews are always welcome. Email to: dianneb@svdp-vic.org.au or send to: The Editor Societynews St Vincent de Paul Society Locked Bag 4800 Box Hill Vic 3128 Phone: 03 9895 5800 Fax: 03 9895 5850 We endeavour to include as many items as possible in each issue.