Vinnies and Loui’s Vans
The volunteers who give their time to our Vinnies and Loui’s Van programs, are feeding the homeless and hungry; and offering hope and advice across Tasmania
Who can access Vinnies and Loui’s Vans?
Our Soup Vans are an anonymous service and available for anyone, particularly people who are in need, isolated, homeless, or at risk.
What do we offer?
- A warm, nutritious meal, fresh fruits and hot and cold drinks
- Information and referrals to other community services and government agencies
- Support, compassion, and friendly face
Vinnies Loui’s Vans
Loui’s Van is an after-hours mobile service providing food, information and support to those in need. It is a two-van, six-night operation with over 280 volunteers on the roster that operates in the Greater Hobart area and some surrounding rural suburbs.
To donate or to find out more information, please call Vinnies on (03) 6234 4244 or email hobart@vinniestas.org.au. You can also volunteer here.
Vinnies Vans
Operating from sites across the north of Tasmania, this emergency service is delivered by volunteers providing meals and support to those in need.
To donate or to find out more information, please contact your closest office:
- Launceston on (03) 6326 5551 or north@vinniestas.org.au
- Burnie on (03) 6435 2323 or burnie@vinniestas.org.au
You can also sign up to volunteer here.
How can you help?
You can make a positive difference to the lives of those in need by joining the team or donating funds. It costs as little as $25 to ‘adopt’ a Soup Van for the day. This amount will feed around 15 people per night.
You can also donate goods - we are always looking for non-perishable food and/or blankets. We’re also keen to hear from you if you’re interested in forging a business partnership – either in donating goods or volunteering to join our Van crew.
If you are keen to volunteer, we are always looking for compassionate people who want to make a contribution to their community.
Where is the service located?
Launceston
Saturday, Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday
6:00pm-6:30pm: Ravenswood IGA Carpark, 2 Prossers Forest Rd, Ravenwood
6:45pm-7:15pm: Civic Square, Charles Street entrance next to Henty House
Who benefits from the services?
Those who come to Vinnies Van are often people experiencing difficulty. They may be facing homelessness, mental health challenges, isolation, drug and alcohol issues or might simply be seeking a gentle and supportive form of social interaction. For many, Vinnies Van provides dignity, enables concerns to be explored and reminds people in need of their value and worth.
Ultimately the service provides a tangible benefit to the whole community by reducing the impact of major disadvantage.
How is the volunteering experience?
Our volunteers are involved in all aspects of the Van’s operation. People do not require any particular experience to become a volunteer. What is important is the acceptance of others, a sense of humour and a commitment to a just and compassionate community. Induction, support and training are provided to volunteers and at all times their safety and well-being is of the utmost importance. We want Vinnies Van to be a rewarding and enjoyable experience for all volunteers.
How can I find out more information?
For more information please call (03) 6326 5551 or email north@vinniestas.org.au
Burnie
Mondays:
6:00pm-6:25pm: Burnie Community House, Wiseman Street, Shorewell Park
6:30pm-7:00pm: The Park in Aleeka Court, Havenview
Thursdays:
6:00pm-6:25pm: Carpark for 1/8 Federal St, Upper Burnie
6:30pm-6:55pm: Marine Terrace, Burnie (Behind Safe Space)
Wynyard
Tuesdays:
6:00pm-6:25pm: St Brigid’s Church Carpark
6:30pm-6:55pm: Saunders Street Carpark
Wednesdays:
6:00pm-6:25pm: St Brigid’s Church Carpark
6:30pm-7:00pm: Beamish Avenue
Smithton
Mondays:
5.30pm: Wedge St Community House
6.00pm:Anzac Park – Smith St end
Wednesdays:
5.30pm – 5.55pm: Wedge St Community House
6.00pm – 6.30pm: Car park corner of Pelican Point Rd and West Esplanade (opposite Bridge Hotel)
Who benefits from the services?
Those who come to Vinnies Van are often people experiencing difficulty. They may be facing homelessness, mental health challenges, isolation, drug and alcohol issues or might simply be seeking a gentle and supportive form of social interaction. For many, Vinnies Van provides dignity, enables concerns to be explored and reminds people in need of their value and worth.
Ultimately the service provides a tangible benefit to the whole community by reducing the impact of major disadvantage.
How is the volunteering experience?
Our volunteers are involved in all aspects of the Van’s operation. People do not require any particular experience to become a volunteer. What is important is the acceptance of others, a sense of humour and a commitment to a just and compassionate community. Induction, support and training are provided to volunteers and at all times their safety and well-being is of the utmost importance. We want Vinnies Van to be a rewarding and enjoyable experience for all volunteers.
How can I find out more information?
For more information please call (03) 6435 2323 or email burnie@vinniestas.org.au
Where is the service located?
Monday
Glenorchy: Barry Street (Council Car park)
7:45pm to 8:05pm
Hobart: Elizabeth Street Mall
8:20pm to 8:40pm
Gagebrook: Gagebrook Community Centre, Lamprill Circle
7:00pm to 7:20pm
Bridgewater: Community Centre, Bowden Drive
7:25pm to 7:45pm
Tuesday
Glenorchy: Barry Street (Council Car park)
7:45pm to 8:05pm
Hobart: Elizabeth Street Mall
8:20pm to 8:40pm
Clarendon Vale: Neighbourhood Centre, Mockridge Road
5.45pm to 6.00pm
Warrane: Neighbourhood Centre, Bligh St
6.10pm to 6.30pm
Wednesday
Glenorchy: Barry Street (Council Car park)
7:45pm to 8:05pm
Hobart: Elizabeth Street Mall
8:20pm to 8:40pm
Bridgewater: Civic Centre, Greenpoint Road
(car park behind building)
7:00pm to 7:20pm
Risdon Vale: Neighbourhood Centre
7:30pm - 7:45pm
Goodwood: Community Centre
7:55pm - 8:05pm
Thursday
Glenorchy: Barry Street (Council Car park)
7:45pm to 8:05pm
Hobart: Elizabeth Street Mall
8:20pm to 8:40pm
Kingston: Council Carpark, Hutchins Street
8:00pm - 7:25pm
Maranoa Heights: Community Centre Hawthorn Drive
7:25pm - 7:50pm
Sunday
Glenorchy: Barry Street (Council Car park)
7:45pm to 8:15pm
Hobart: Elizabeth Street Mall
8:20pm to 8:40pm
Who benefits from the services?
Loui’s Van currently encounters an average of 50 people each evening that it operates. Those who come to Loui’s Van range from children to aged people and reflect a broad cross section of the community. In the last year we assisted over 17,000 times. Many are experiencing considerable difficulty, including homelessness, mental health issues, isolation, drug and alcohol issues and poor self-esteem. For many, Loui’s Van is a reminder of the dignity, concerns and worth of people in need.
Can I volunteer with Loui’s Van?
Yes. Our volunteers are involved in all aspects of the Van’s operation – from making the soup to preparing sandwiches and operating the service out on the streets. People do not require any particular experience to become a volunteer. What is important is the acceptance of others, a sense of humour and a commitment to a just and compassionate community. Induction, support and training are provided to volunteers and at all times their safety and well-being is of the upmost importance. The vast majority of volunteers find Loui’s Van a rewarding and enjoyable experience.
Can I donate to Loui’s Van?
Yes. $25 is all it takes to Adopt Loui for a Day. This will feed up to 50 people who can approach the van on any one night. Your name will be publicly acknowledged where possible and you can even choose the date! Dates could be chosen for special reasons such as birthdays or perhaps in memory of a loved one.
How can I find out more information?
For more information please contact the Loui’s Van and Emergency Relief Co-ordinator on (03) 6234 4244