Vinnies' Winter Appeal
+ Cardinal George Pell, Archbishop of Sydney
14 Jun 2009
The cold weather snap last week reminded us of the importance of the annual Vinnies Winter Appeal for the battlers and the homeless. The aim this year in N.S.W. is to raise $5 million.
More people sleep out in Sydney than in Melbourne, some by choice as they prefer outdoors to a hostel, because the weather here is generally milder than down South. But in exceptional times they get caught.
The St. Vincent de Paul groups exist in nearly every Catholic parish and are composed and led entirely by lay people, although each group has a priest chaplain. Many members are retired and have the necessary time for this vitally important, if unspectacular work.
Some years ago a St. Vincent de Paul leader boasted to me that the society had good relations with the Church. "No you don't", I replied "You are the Church as much as any cardinal, priest or religious. You do have a good relationship with the Bishops".
We have all heard a lot about the financial downturn, that it is not as extreme as we feared it might be and that technically we have not yet fallen into a recession.
This is only true for the majority of people who thankfully remain untouched. More families are finding themselves homeless as they are no longer able to survive in the private rental or housing market. Unfortunately in an area such as Broken Hill, the number seeking assistance from Vinnies has risen by three hundred per cent.
Without regular help from generous Australians, especially the Catholic community, St. Vincent de Paul Society would not be able to continue its many works. Eighty per cent of those helped have mental health problems, many of them from drugs, which damage faster than alcohol. Help is welcome from any quarter and help is always extended to every type of person in need.
The Society runs a number of central services, the best known of which is the Matt Talbot Hostel in Woolloomooloo recently renovated with 98 beds and offering short-term crisis accommodation and day care services for homeless men. It was started in 1938. Qualified and dedicated professionals, assisted by 450 volunteers, attempt to help each resident personally. A medical clinic is open every day.
Recently the Ozanam Learning Centre was started in Forbes Street near Matt Talbot to help people develop the confidence and skills to escape poverty. Programmes in education, music, art and living skills are offered by volunteer teachers. About 50-60 participate regularly in the classes with computer learning and music the most popular. I saw many beautiful paintings and I probably should enroll for the cooking and computer classes!
Women have a special section and entrance and their numbers are increasing despite the proximity to the men's hostel.
These are good causes. Contact can be made at vinnies.org.au or 13 18 12.
