Deniliquin Vinnies shop window decorated by Heather Fleming celebrating 100 years of Vinnies Shops across NSW.
Two weeks of celebrations have been organised across NSW to recognise a century of Vinnies Shops raising money for members and services since 1922.
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In early 1922, a group of volunteers turned a paddock shed in Newtown, Sydney into the first Vinnies Shop, known as the ‘St Vincent de Paul Waste Collection Depot’.
The depot was capable of holding quantities of refuse articles that earned money for the Society’s good work through receiving and re-selling pre-loved goods.
Over time the shops outgrew supplies coming in and larger sites were sourced, providing affordable necessities for people of limited means.
From humble beginnings with a horse and cart to motor lorries, support through depressions and war, fast forward to 2021 there are now more than 220 stores across NSW.
In 2021 the society spent $95.2m in the areas of people in need, homelessness and mental health, disability and capacity building and housing services.
Vinnies Shops both connect people to the members and enable the members to go out into hundreds of communities throughout the state and offer help to those in need.
The Deniliquin Vinnies was established in 1973, located in a modest building where Laughing Chicken operates today and moved to its current location in Napier St when purchased by State NSW.
Ken and Daph Greaves are both stalwarts of Vinnies Deniliquin, both members of the conference providing support to those in need.
Ken has been involved with St Vincent de Paul for 66 years and Daph 36 years and both have seen demand grow year after year.
“Demand is now worse than ever and affordable housing is a serious problem we are facing,” Daph said.
The Vinnies Shop in Deniliquin joined the state wide 100 year celebrations decorating its windows and held an afternoon tea to thank the volunteers both past and present.
Vinnies is always needing volunteers, which gives people a chance to give back to the community, share skills, develop new ones and make new friends.
Jill Howard, Janine Lawrence (Secretary to the conference) and Nella Denaro (Data entry for the conference).
Ken and Daph Greaves celebrating 100 years of Vinnies Shops in NSW.
Val Tasker and Jennifer Erickson enjoying the afternoon tea.
Vinnies Shop Deniliquin 100 years of celebrations window displays.
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