The St Vincent de Paul Society (Vinnies) will get a $1.44 million boost for its vital emergency relief work thanks to a Lotterywest grant.
Community Services Minister Simone McGurk presented the Lotterywest grant to Vinnies at their distributions centre in Canning Vale today (April 3).
Vinnies’ emergency relief service provides support through food assistance, utility payments, rent arrears, material aid and other critical needs.
The grant will help the organisation support people across Western Australia for 12 months.
Vinnies is one of Western Australia’s most extensive community service organisations. It provides support and assistance to disadvantaged families and individuals, as well as crisis accommodation to individuals experiencing mental health and homelessness.
Vinnies also provides a range of complementary services such as financial counselling, budgeting assistance, mental health support and 20 regional call centres.
As stated by Community Services Minister Simone McGurk:
“Vinnies has been providing emergency relief to WA individuals and families in need for 150 years, with Lotterywest supporting these efforts since the very first grants were awarded in 1933.
“They have supported hundreds of thousands of people through incredibly difficult times – providing meals, financial support and advice, mental health support and links to specialised programs and services.
“It’s also important to remember that these services are delivered predominantly by volunteers.
“Vinnies volunteers and the services they provide are making a real difference to many lives by working with people to overcome their challenges and enabling them to pursue more positive, independent lives.
“I’m delighted that this Lotterywest grant will support them to continue their important work in our community.”
