Vinnies CEO Sleepout
Thank you On behalf of all the people whom St Vincent de Paul assist, thank you for donating to this year’s Vinnies CEO Sleepout. On Thursday evening this week, Dan McShea, Michael Stewart and I joined other CEOs and community leaders from around the Sunshine Coast as we braved a night under the stars on the beach at Noosa. As well as saying thank you for your generosity, I’d like to share some of the tangible outcome of our fundraising. Your generosity provides bed nights for people experiencing homelessness including nights of refuge and escape, and nights where lives turn around for good towards stable housing and accommodation. Vincentians also work amongst families at risk who rely on emergency support and accommodation that is made possible by our fundraising.
Finally, Vinnies’ ability to provide food and grocery vouchers, as well as bill support and rental assistance, is sustained by the money raised through events like the Vinnies CEO Sleepout and local Vinnies Conferences’ Winter Appeal. Thank you for helping us raise nearly $15000 this year!
Fr Josh
Winter Appeal
The 2022 St Vincent de Paul Society’s Winter Appeal will be conducted in the Parish over the weekend of the 25 and 26th of June. This Year’s Winter Appeal theme is “Make it Stop” focusing on the importance of providing safety to families and individuals fleeing domestic violence .
Reports of domestic violence have increased during the pandemic and with the current shortage of affordable accommodation, many people, including women and children are compelled to sleep rough on the streets, in parks, cars and tents while trying to escape a dangerous environment. Everyday members of our 5 Parish St Vincent de Paul Conferences come into contact with people who are experiencing domestic violence and associated homeless..
Accessing affordable accommodation has become more difficult as a result of the pandemic. House prices and rents have risen exponentially, leaving many struggling to afford permanent accommodation. These are individuals and families many who have previously been able to manage. They are part of the increasing number of people seeking assistance from charities such as St Vincent de Paul.
Envelopes for your donations will be available at masses on Appeal weekend. All funds raised locally will be used by Parish Vincentians to provide emergency services for members of our communities who are experienced hardship.
Members of the Society will be at each mass to answer any queries you may have.