160 years of supporting Western Australians: Vinnies continues to make a difference
Behind its well-known retail stores, Vinnies delivers essential support to thousands of Western Australians each year, helping people through hard times and getting their lives back on track.
For 160 years, the St Vincent de Paul Society WA - better known as Vinnies - has been a constant source of support for Western Australians in need.
Today, it remains one of the State’s largest and most trusted charities, delivering frontline assistance to thousands of people each year, while staying true to its founding vision.
“I've always believed, at Vinnies we face the same challenges as every other organisation, but the one thing we know for sure is that our true north is our mission,” CEO Ann Curran said.
“It is absolutely rusted on, this vision of a more just and compassionate society… and it flows through every program and service we deliver, and through our people who work in this organisation.
"It's what ties us all together.”
Vinnies has about 3,500 members, volunteers and staff across Western Australia who deliver services to support the community.
Supporting those who need it most
At the heart of Vinnies’ work is its Emergency Assistance program which provides help to thousands of people facing financial hardship and housing insecurity each year.
“We provide financial counselling services, operate the National Debt Helpline and, in partnership with our State Government and our sector partner, Anglicare WA, Vinnies delivers the WA Rent Relief Program for those in rental crisis and often at risk of eviction,” said Curran, who moved to the CEO role last year after being the CFO for more than seven years.
Vinnies also provides adult and youth homelessness services, transitional housing and support programs, as well as recovery-focused mental health services. All programs have the underlying goal to help people rebuild and move forward.
More than just retail
For many, Vinnies is best known for its retail stores, but its impact goes beyond bargain finds.
“The WA community will best know us, of course for our Vinnies stores. We have over 50 in the State, led by volunteers, and they are the most warm and welcoming places,” Curran said.
The stores play a critical role in funding Vinnies’ broader support services.
“The profits from our shops, are joined with our philanthropic and fundraising efforts to deliver a suite of programs designed to prevent and to provide pathways out of homelessness,” Curran said.
Raising awareness through the CEO Sleepout
One of Vinnies’ most high-profile initiatives is the Vinnies CEO Sleepout, an annual event that brings business and community leaders together to raise awareness and funds for homelessness services.
This year’s event will be on June 18 at Perth Zoo, with more than 100 leaders expected to take part.
“We’re approaching winter, and of course each year we wait for what is perhaps the longest and coldest night for WA business and community leaders to come together to support us in the Vinnies CEO Sleepout,” said Curran, who will participate in the event herself this year.
“On the night, participants will hear from people with lived experience exactly what homelessness looks like in WA right now, and it's not what many people expect.”
Vinnies hopes to raise more than $1 million.
“We will each lay down our cardboard, roll out our sleeping bags and try to catch a few uncomfortable hours of sleep this year next to the gibbons,” Curran said.
Supporting their people with CCIWA
As a large, community-based organisation, Vinnies also relies on strong partnerships to support its operations and people.
“People and partnerships are at the heart of Vinnies WA, as they have been for 160 years,” Curran said.
“We understand that as a community we are stronger together. So, our partnership with CCIWA is a very natural fit for us.”
Through CCIWA, Vinnies accesses support to ensure they meet complex workplace requirements as well as connecting with the broader business community.
“At Vinnies, we work with CCIWA as a corporate partner but also to avail expert industrial relations advice.,” Curran said.
“We are navigating sometimes complex modern awards, and we really want to ensure that we are both compliant and that we protect the rights of our people.”
Here to support your business
- Employee Relations Helpline – HR support just one phone call away
- Business Law WA – employment and commercial law services
- Workplace Training & Development – training that works for your team, your industry and your goals
- Policy and Advocacy – we stand for WA business
“Wouldn’t it be wonderful if there came a day when housing was truly a human right in Australia, when the Emergency Assistance phone lines were quiet, and everyone in our community had a home, nutritious food on the table and enough money to cover essential bills,” she said.
“Until then, there’s Vinnies.”
To be part of WA’s peak business organisation, get in touch via 1300 422 492 or [email protected].
