Vinnies Van is a Special Works conducted by the St. Vincent de Paul Society. The Parramatta Diocesan area has seen an increased need with the number of homeless growing.
The aim of the Vinnies Van is to visit the homeless people of the Greater West, to provide friendship, compassion and dignity. Incidental to the visitation aspect, food and referral to available services is provided, where necessary.
Their work is one of visiting the homeless and offering those people food, a friendly face and a listening ear.
Vinnies Van operates 7 nights a week in Penrith and Parramatta area. The Van is on the streets from 7.00pm to 12.00pm.
The vinnies van is staffed almost entirely by volunteers with a common bond being a desire to help those who are less fortunate than themselves. Vinnies Van is funded by generous donations from the St. Vincent de Paul Society, local business and generous individuals.
"As funeral directors, we’ve seen firsthand the terrible impact that hardship and homelessness can have on individuals and families. The Vinnies Van is a cause that’s especially close to our hearts", said Jocelyn Corcoran, Location Manager, White Lady Funerals Penrith. Jocelyn and her colleague Kathleen Wilson began volunteering on the van as a part of the back up team of volunteers in December and witnessed the importance and value of the Vinnies Van to the less fortunate of Penrith and Parramatta. "This is a very importance cause and we want to do whatever we can to ensure the van continues to provide this great service during the upcoming Winter Months." said Kathleen Wilson, Funeral Arranger, White Lady Funerals, Penrith.
Our goal is to collect as many of the following five food items as possible before our cold winter months arrive:
- Muesli Bars
- Specialty or Assorted Biscuits
- Fruit cups- ie. Diced pears, apricots, Snack Packs
- Juice box drinks
- Cup-a-Soup packets
The following items will be kindly accepted at our White Lady Funerals Location at 219-221 High Street, Penrith between 830AM-500PM, Monday to Friday for the month of April. If you are unable to drop off donations please call the office on 4731 4385 to discuss another arrangement. If you would like more information you could visit the website:
http://www.everydayhero.com.au/white_lady_funerals_penrith 