St Vincent de Paul Society Australia genetic logo

1800 305 330 Welfare Assistance

DONATE

Scam Alert: Fake Facebook pages using our logos and name are attempting to scam users. We have reported them to Facebook. Please verify you are on our official channels for accurate information.

Scam Alert

<h4>The St Vincent de Paul Society offers services that help people in need.</h4>
<p></p>
<p><a href="/vic/services" title="Services" class="outline-button-white"><span class="text-action-primary-yellow-100">Services in Victoria</span></a>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="/vic/find-help" title="Find help" class="outline-button-white">Help options in Victoria</a></p>

Cost of Living

Education

Family Violence

Financial

Food

Housing & Homelessness

Find Help

Fundraising

The Good Works Society

Wills & Bequests

Community Fundraising

Corporate Involvement

Vinnies CEO Sleepout

Donate

Donate Goods

Vinnies Shops

Join us

Employees

Volunteers

Members

Volunteering opportunities

What's your calling?

Dandenong

Heidelberg West

Noble Park

Schools

Mini Vinnies

College Conferences

Vinnies Youth

Kids Day Out & Teens Day Out

Young Vinnies Conferences

Get involved

<h1>Vinnies Shops</h1>
<p>Everything you buy or donate inspires change in your local community. For a full list of shops in Victoria, <a href="https://www.vinnies.org.au/vic/shops" target="_blank" rel="noopener">click here</a></p>

Vinnies Shops VIC

Shops

Advocacy our plan

State Budget Analysis Report

Strategic Advocacy Plan 2026-2030

Pathway to Home scoping review

Research Agenda

Social Justice

Asylum Seekers & Refugees

Education Costs

Energy Costs

Utility Bills

Energy VIC

Tariff Tracking

Concessions

Disconnections

Relative Price Index

Our Good Works

Food Insecurity

Homelessness

Advocacy

About Us

Newsroom

Publications

Contact Us

| Vinnies

Home

ACT & surrounds

New South Wales

Northern Territory

Queensland

South Australia

Tasmania

Victoria

Western Australia

National Council

SVdP Housing Australia

I walked out of Vinnies Brunswick not only with invaluable life lessons and stories but also some cherished items.

Volunteering at Vinnies Brunswick

Vinnies VIC: Experience of Communications intern who volunteers at the Vinnies Shop in Brunswick.

Meet Miu: Volunteering in Vinnies Brunswick

Meet Miu

<h4>Nestled in the heart of our vibrant community, there lies a place where second chances, hidden treasures and the spirit of giving come together. Welcome to Vinnies Shops, where pre-loved items find new homes and contribute to a good cause.</h4>
<p>After years of being a young consumer of various op shops, I seized the opportunity to volunteer at Vinnies Shop in Brunswick. Stepping through its welcoming doors, I was embraced by a sense of warmth and belonging. The racks and shelves were adorned with an eclectic mix of clothes, shoes and accessories, each item infused with its own unique personality.</p>
<p>Yet, it wasn't just the merchandise that captivated me, it was the genuine, friendly employees and volunteers who dedicate their time, passion, and energy into what they do. It wasn’t just an op shop; it was a haven filled with stories waiting to be told.</p>
<p>My journey began with a deep-seated desire to be part of a community of incredible volunteers committed to uplifting people in need. Throughout the day, I had the privilege of witnessing the kind and warm treatment of customers. Small acts of kindness might seem insignificant, but they can brighten someone's day.</p>
<p>Moreover, customers left the Vinnies Shop not only with beautiful items but also with the knowledge that their purchases were making a positive impact on the community.</p>
<p>From sorting donations to assisting customers; creating eye-catching displays to ensuring the cleanliness of the shop, the volunteers did it all. There were endless ways to make an impact.</p>
<p>Amid the increasing cost of living and climate crisis, I am proud to be both a volunteer and a customer at Vinnies Shops. As a volunteer, I contribute to the groundwork of doing ‘good works’, raising funds for people in need while assisting shoppers find affordable necessities. As a customer, I participate in sustainability efforts by reducing unnecessary clothing waste, giving old items a second chance and love.</p>
<p>If I were to share this volunteer experience with my peers, I would put emphasis on the fact that one person can do so much to contribute to the society. It's a reminder that even small actions, like conscious clothing shopping, can create significant changes in our society.</p>
<p>As I sorted through donations, I spent hours only being able to sort less than one fourth of the donations the shop had received over the prior weekend. I discovered countless beautiful pieces that could easily serve their purpose for another five years or more, and they were all available at affordable prices in Vinnies Shop.</p>
<p>What people may not realise is that what they buy from Vinnies Shops is not merely inexpensive second-hand items, but rather a chance for both the items and people in need to thrive, as the proceeds support our good works. Every purchase is not just a transaction but a step toward creating meaningful change.</p>
<p>I walked out of Vinnies Brunswick not only with invaluable lessons and stories but also some cherished items, including a vintage knitted cardigan and a pair of leather shoes, which I will cherish for the rest of the years ahead. I cannot pinpoint what made me happier – the experience or the delightful items I found. However, I can confidently say that this experience was deeply meaningful and special. I would like to extend my gratitude to all the volunteers who contribute to making positive impact in our society.</p>
<p><strong>Miu Kanokkantapong</strong><br />Communications Intern, St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria<br /><span></span></p>
<h4>Are you looking to make a difference in your local community? <a href="/vic/get-involved/join-us/volunteers" title="Volunteers">Volunteer with us today.</a><br /><br /></h4>

Rich Text