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SVdP Housing Australia

Vinnies WA volunteer named ‘Young Citizen of the Year’

The Record Summar 2025 Cover | A Season of Hope, A Time for Giving

Canning Vale teenager Ryan has clocked over 240 volunteer hours at his local Vinnies Retail Shop, earning Young Citizen of the Year and showcasing how youth volunteering builds skills, connection and vital support for the WA community.

Young Vinnies volunteer honoured

St Vincent de Paul Society Canberra/Goulburn has opened a new Vinnies Community Hub in Merimbula, providing a dedicated base for person-to-person assistance, case work and interagency collaboration, funded by the NSW Government and the 2024 Vinnies CEO Sleepout to better support locals facing hardship.

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Assist a student

Manager of Vinnies Retail Shop at Canning Vale, Harry Singh (right), with 16-year-old Ryan, who began volunteering at the shop in June 2024. Photo courtesy of Vinnies WA.

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When Canning Vale teenager Ryan began volunteering at his local Vinnies Retail Shop more than a year ago, he never fathomed his contribution would earn him an award for Young Citizen of the Year. <o:p></o:p>
Recently receiving the accolade from the Rotary Southern Districts Club, it was a proud moment for the humble 16-year-old high school student. <o:p></o:p>
‘I feel proud not only for myself but for all the volunteers at Vinnies who have supported me along the way,’ Ryan said. ‘This award is a recognition of the teamwork, dedication and compassion we all share in helping our community.&nbsp; <o:p></o:p>
‘Being recognised motivates me to continue volunteering and inspiring others to get involved, too.’ <o:p></o:p>
Since joining Vinnies as a volunteer in June 2024, Ryan contributes his time at the Canning Vale shop during the school holidays, where he has picked up some invaluable life skills which he will carry with him far beyond graduating from high school.&nbsp; <o:p></o:p>
‘While volunteering at Vinnies, I have learned the importance of teamwork and how working together creates a strong, supportive environment,’ he said. <o:p></o:p>
‘I have developed valuable skills in customer service and organisation and, most importantly, I have built meaningful relationships with my fellow volunteers. <o:p></o:p>
‘This experience has helped me grow personally and feel more connected to my&nbsp;community.’ <o:p></o:p>
So far, Ryan has contributed more than 240 volunteer hours at Vinnies Canning Vale, and it’s something he plans to continue doing over the upcoming school holidays.&nbsp; <o:p></o:p>
He also credits the shop’s manager Harry Singh as having a positive impact on his volunteering experience.&nbsp; <o:p></o:p>
‘Harry has been very patient and always willing to teach me new things, which has helped me pick up many valuable skills,’ he said. <o:p></o:p>
‘Through his guidance, I have also learned important work ethics like reliability and teamwork.’ <o:p></o:p>
Ryan encourages his peers to consider volunteering, not just for personal development but also to help make a difference to people in need. <o:p></o:p>
‘I would encourage more youth to volunteer as it is a wonderful way to make a positive difference in our community while gaining important life skills,’ he said. <o:p></o:p>
Vinnies WA Manager of Volunteer Services May Bowden said it was heartwarming to see a new generation of volunteers like Ryan who want to make a difference. <o:p></o:p>
‘We are proud to have young volunteers like Ryan as part of our volunteer family,’ she said. <o:p></o:p>
‘This award is very much deserved and is a great way of acknowledging young people like Ryan who are giving back to the WA community.’ <o:p></o:p>
On International Volunteer Day, 5 December, Vinnies WA acknowledges the incredible volunteers who give their time across our 53 retail shops.&nbsp; <o:p></o:p>
Without volunteers, Vinnies retail shops would close their doors, which would impact the delivery of vital support in the community including emergency relief, homelessness, youth engagement and mental health services.&nbsp; <o:p></o:p>
‘As shops prepare for another busy festive season, more volunteers are needed to help meet rising demand,’ Ms Bowden said. ‘We would love more volunteers across our shops leading into Christmas, so if you can help, please get in touch with us.’&nbsp;<o:p></o:p>

Rich Text

If you can help, head to <a href="/wa/get-involved/volunteering-wa">www.vinnieswa.org.au/volunteer</a> to express your interest. <o:p></o:p>
To find out how you can get involved wherever you live in Australia, visit <a href="/get-involved">www.vinnies.org.au/get-involved</a>

Summer 2025

Vinnies WA volunteer named ‘Young Citizen of the Year’

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Manager of Vinnies Retail Shop at Canning Vale, Harry Singh (right), with 16-year-old Ryan, who began volunteering at the shop in June 2024. Photo courtesy of Vinnies WA

Society offers ‘Support That Lasts’

New Vinnies Community Hub opens in Merimbula

Table of Contents