Matt Hewson
As both the winter chill and the ever-rising cost of living continue to bite, St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria (SVDPV) is poised to open more of its iconic Vinnies Shops around the state, including one on High Street, Belmont.
In the last financial year SVDPV provided more than $20 million in assistance, providing basic necessities such as food, school expenses and a roof overhead.
To service the growing need in Victoria and stock its new shops, Vinnies has put out the call for more donations from the community.
Vinnies area manager for Geelong Martin Schleutker said the need in the community was greater than many people might think.
“There are a thousand homeless people in the Geelong area, so that could be people on the street, it could be someone couchsurfing,” Mr Schleutker said.
“The big issue is the need is there (and it) has got bigger, especially over the last 12 months with the cost of living and interest rates.”
Mr Schleutker said the buzz around the new Belmont store, scheduled to open in early September, was “really quite amazing”.
“We put a sign in the window advertising for a manager, and we had people ringing the Box Hill head office asking when the store was opening,” he said.
“Nothing to do with the paid store manager’s role, just people excited about it opening.
“We opened in Norlane in February last year, which has gone fantastic. We’ve got nearly 20 volunteers signed up (for Belmont) already, so we’re quite excited about the new store, we think it’ll do quite well.”
For more information on how to donate visit vinnies.org.au or contact your nearest Vinnies Shop.
