His vision extended to Australia 21 years later when the St Vincent de Paul Society was established in Melbourne in 1854.

 

There are over 300 local volunteer groups around Victoria, known as Conferences, which provide face-to-face support and a ‘hand up’ to vulnerable members of their communities.  Our Lady of the Pines has one such ‘Conference’ which meets at 8.00 pm on the first Monday of every month.

 

Donvale Conference Members visit people in their homes to provide support and practical assistance i.e.  Coles Food Vouchers, Vinnies Gift Vouchers to purchase anything at a Vinnies store,  furniture, budget support, back-to-school expenses and other emergency items.  Conference members also volunteer to visit people in need in the Southbank and South Melbourne areas each Saturday morning, providing friendship and support for people experiencing hardship.

 

The profits from the Vinnies stores support local assistance programmes.  Every time you shop at Vinnies you are helping to support people in your community.  Nearest ones are in Ringwood, Kew and Heidelberg Mall.

 

Money placed in the Vinnies Donation Box in the Church foyer after Mass is also greatly and directly provided to those in need locally.

 

If you would like to be involved in the OLOP Conference or just find out more information, please contact Michael Liddy through the Parish Office on 0473 873 479.