St. Augustines Parish
Coffs Harbour

St. Vincent De Paul Society
in COFFS HARBOUR AND WOOLGOOLGA

 

WINTER APPEAL   10/11 June 2023

 

St Vincent de Paul Society Conferences in Coffs Harbour and Woolgoolga rely heavily on money raised by the Winter Appeal. For those attending Mass on the weekend of 10/11 June 2023, there will be a ‘bucket collection’ for cash donations, but we have some options, which are listed below.

 

For your information, the work of the St Vincent de Paul Society in the Coffs Coast region, is concentrated in three areas.

 

1. Vinnies Shops, in Scarba Street, Coffs Harbour and Market St, Woolgoolga sell premium used clothing, blankets, bed linen, towels, and small household items at very discounted prices. This is a major fundraising source for all the work of the St Vincent de Paul Society and is critical for our continued functioning. The Shop is staffed totally by volunteers and is always looking for women and men who are prepared to volunteer to assist, either by sorting items and clothes and preparing them for sale or by working in the Shop. Contact the Shop if you want to know more about volunteering. One way everyone can help the work of Vinnies in the community is to support the Shops whenever you can, by either buying clothing or items at the Shop or by donating quality clothing and items for sale. Many shoppers are surprised at the quality and value of the merchandise.

 

1. The Conference provides support and care for those in our community who need assistance during difficult times. This work is totally dependent on fund-raising from our Vinnies Shops and through appeals such as this one, because we get no government support at all. The Conference is always seeking more volunteers who are committed to helping those in need. All you need is a compassionate heart and the ability to work as part of a team. No prior knowledge or experience is required. Please contact the Parish Office for contact details if you want to know more about volunteering for Conference work. If you know someone who needs help or support, suggest they phone for assistance. For the Coffs Harbour Conference: phone 6650 0172 between 8.15 am and 9.00 am on Monday and Wednesday mornings. For the Woolgoolga Conference: phone 6654 1819 between 9.00 am and 9.30 am on Tuesday and Friday mornings.

 

1. The Special Works of the St Vincent de Paul Society are an important part of this community and there are two in the Coffs region. One is Pete’s Place, in the Community Village (next to the Coles supermarket) in Earl St, Coffs Harbour, which provides showers, toilets, laundry facilities and some food for those who are homeless in this region. The other is North Coast Settlement Service, also in the Community Village in Coffs Harbour, which provides support for refugee families in our area.

 

If you can assist the Vinnies Winter Appeal this year, please either:

• Donate to the ‘bucket collection’ for cash donations at Mass on 10/11 June.

• Donate using your card with the secure electronic funds transfer device.

• You can put money or a cheque in an envelope and leave it at the Parish Office.

• If you need a tax receipt, please use the Vinnies donation envelopes (available at the back of the Church and in the Parish Office) and fill in the details.

 

We are very grateful for all donations received and will use the money to assist those in need in our local area.

 

Thanking You

St Augustine’s Conference, SVDP, Coffs Harbour, NSW: coffsharbour.conference@vinnies.org.au

St Louise’ Conference, SVDP, Woolgoolga, NSW: woolgoolga.conference@vinnies.org.au

 

Current 1 June 2023