About Vinnies
The St Vincent de Paul Society NSW is launching its annual Vinnies Christmas Appeal, with a focus this year on the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. This crisis has had severe and relentless effects on thousands, and Vinnies has been there to provide immediate, practical, and emotional support to help people regain stability.
In the past year, nearly 100,000 people across NSW have received assistance from Vinnies members, marking a 14% rise in those seeking help. Vinnies supports people in many ways, from food, clothing, and covering household bills to connecting individuals with ongoing services.
This year, four out of five people have sought help with food, while nearly half face housing stress. Additionally, one in three people reached out to Vinnies for the first time during the last financial year. Demand for assistance traditionally peaks during the Christmas season, with 40% of all individuals supported by Vinnies last year seeking aid between November 2023 and January 2024.
Beyond this seasonal support, the St Vincent de Paul Society is a leader in frontline services nationwide, offering 200 professional services that address homelessness, domestic and family violence, disability, mental health, youth wellbeing, refugee and migrant inclusion, rehabilitation, and addiction.