In today’s edition of the Examiner, the volunteers at our local Vinnies store have expressed their gratitude to the community for its tremendous support last year.

More than 170 families in the community (including Emmaville and Deepwater) benefited through the work of Vinnies, which was only possible because of the support they received.

As a national organisation, Vinnies has always worked to shape a more just and compassionate society by helping people who are living in poverty and experiencing disadvantage.

Their work dates back to Paris following the French Revolution.

University student Frederic Ozanam was affected by the sight of the poor residents, who had flocked to Paris to find work, but were often left homeless and suffering from disease.

On 23 April 1833, he met with friends to decide what they could do to assist the poor. Frederic and his flat mate took the remainder of their winter firewood supply and gave it to a widow, and the work of St Vincent de Paul was born.

The small group decided to adopt the name The Society of St Vincent de Paul after the Patron Saint of Christian charity.

In Australia, priest Fr Gerald Ward knew of the St Vincent de Paul Society and established the first Australia branch in March 1854 after witnessing the plight of people in Victoria following the discovery of gold.

Locally, the Vinnies Retail Centre in Bourke Street, through the sale of generously donated clothing and household goods, generates revenue which is used to assist individuals and families in our community in need of our care and support.

Their work carries on the tradition, started by Frederic Ozanam in Paris, and Fr Gerald Ward in Victoria, of helping the disadvantaged within the local community.

But as is obvious, what makes a great difference is when our community supports organisation like Vinnies who help others.

While we say well done to Vinnies for their great work, we also say well done to the people in our community who support them with donations.

With many people needed help to put food on the table, pay electricity bills, or make it to medical appointments, the work of Vinnies helps make our community a better place.