Support Increase
Vinnies centres throughout New Zealand have been meeting the needs of their communities. Food, clothing, household goods and social support continue to reach those who need it most.
Fundraising Loss
During the height of the COVID pandemic key fundraising events had to be cancelled or postponed, events such as book fairs, street appeals and food drives. Direct donations of food, clothing and household goods for welfare requests were unable to be accepted and had to instead be purchased for urgent cases.
Income Loss
Vinnies Op Shops are the main source of funding for the Societies welfare and support services throughout New Zealand. Over April and May 2020, Vinnies experienced a loss of $1.5 million from the closure of the shops due to thje COVID pandemic.
From Cardinal John Dew:
"I commend the St Vincent de Paul Society for taking pro-active steps to ensure that it can continue to help those in need as we all grapple with the demands of our new environment...
COVID-19 is creating new layers of poverty and need in our community, and it is vital that the St Vincent de Paul Society is able to do the work it has done for decades, and to add to it as new needs emerge."
