Vinnies Van looking for volunteers to meet increasing need

Every fortnight, on Monday and Wednesday, Vinnies Van volunteers load up their van and head out into the community to distribute a little food to those in need.

But that need is growing, says Vinnies Van Coordinator Keith Dowling, who is hoping they can get the support to send the van out more often.

“The numbers have been growing, and that's an obvious thing I suppose to say in this economic climate… but we want to be able to get that to a weekly service because the demand is there,” Keith said.

The Vinnies Van relies on its team of volunteers to prepare and distribute sandwiches, fruit, Milo, tea and coffee at its four stops every run. More volunteers and more financial or material support are needed if the van is to start doing weekly runs.

“It's volunteers and also the funding,” Keith said. “Vinnies does rely on people's generous contributions and donations, also financially from those larger organisations and companies, we've had some donations from social clubs and things like that.

“But the practical application of business providing foodstuffs, that's important as well… and if we get this happening for a weekly event, then all the better,” he added.

Volunteers are required for either food preparation, loading the van, or heading out on the evening run, Keith said.

“Two hours, every four to six weeks is what we're asking,” Keith said. “So if anyone has an interest in doing that, they can communicate with me.” 

Volunteering for Vinnies is quite rewarding, he said and there is a good sense of camaraderie between those who take part.

“The nights that I go out on the run, the night patrol is really quite enjoyable,” he said.

“And we have the opportunity to connect with our clients, check in with them, see how they're going over the last fortnight and we commiserate on their losses or setbacks, but we also celebrate when they have a win and that's fantastic when we experience it.”

Keith and other local Vinnies Van volunteers recently held a free community barbecue outside of Ashcroft’s IGA in Peisley Street as a way to acknowledge and thank the many organisations that sponsor the outreach program.

“We would like to acknowledge them and thank them for their efforts. So Ashcroft’s IGA of course, Bakers Delight bakery provide our bread. And Thornbrook Nursery. The high schools, Catherine McCauley and James Sheehan, and the Rotary Clubs of Orange and also North Orange. They've been terrific over the years for the amount that they've provided for us,” Keith concluded.

If you would like to volunteer for the Vinnies Van or want to know more, call Keith Dowling on  0403 102 681.