Vinnies Shoalhaven, as we approach Christmas, is in urgent need of more volunteers to help run its shops to raise funds for people who are experiencing homelessness, domestic and family violence, and poverty.
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Milton/Ulladulla is just one of the areas that needs more volunteers.
More than 1,100 people sought assistance over the past year throughout the Shoalhaven according to new data released by the St Vincent de Paul Society NSW.
As part of Vinnies' commitment to meeting the need of locals experiencing hardship, Vinnies members in the Shoalhaven Regional Council - covering Berry, Gerringong, Nowra and Milton/Ulladulla - provided $138,500 in financial and material aid to 1,113 locals, including $115,000 in food vouchers and parcels.
Some of the greatest challenges faced by residents during the 2020/21 financial year were shortages of food (74%), reliance on income support payments (35%) and financial strain brought on by the cost of housing (59%).
Vinnies Shops help to fund a range of services and programs in support of people experiencing hardship.
"While the world is slowly opening back up from the disruption of the pandemic, we are still seeing a high number of people facing inequality," Vinnies Regional Retail Manager Miranda Enger said.
"It is important that we don't return to the conditions that made COVID-19 so dire for thousands of people.
"Vinnies is committed to being there for people during their times of need, but more needs to be done to overcome the structural causes of poverty and disadvantage."
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Following on from Vinnies announcing a statewide call for volunteers last week, Vinnies Shops throughout the Shoalhaven region are on the lookout for people eager to volunteer following the easing of stay-at-home restrictions.
"Many people are wanting to connect with their community after being in lockdown over the past few months," said Ms Enger.
"Volunteering with Vinnies is much more than simply selling second-hand clothing; it allows you to be part of a community of people giving their time as part of a common cause.
"If people are able to give a few hours of their time each week it will make a big difference on the impact Vinnies can have in the community."
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Vinnies is currently adhering to the public health orders requiring all volunteers, staff and customers entering its shops to be fully vaccinated, wear a mask and check in using a QR code.
Volunteering requires people to donate a few hours of their time each week to help with roles including customer service, sorting donations and maintaining the day-to-day running of the shop.
To learn more about volunteering with Vinnies, contact (02) 9350 9600 or visit www.vinnies.org.au/shopvolunteernsw.
To seek assistance from Vinnies, contact 13 18 12.
