The St Vincent de Paul Society more than a Charity

With a variety of services, the Society of St Vincent de Paul is much more than a charity: it’s a worldwide family, providing social support, assistance to people ‘starting out’ in life, relief for those ‘doing it tough’ and saving grace at times of natural disasters.

People wanting quality costumes, clothing, household items and furniture can rely on St Vincent de Paul stores to give great service and even greater prices.

"The Society’s name is all about people," says long time volunteer Bill Norman, "(We deal with) human beings and they like to be treated that way. There’s a (man) who used to live in Oakleigh with his wife. The (shop) door would open and I’d say, ‘Gee there’s a North Wind’… and you’d get to know people’s ways – they’d always have a joke with you."

Branch (or ‘Conference’ as they are known) area volunteers play a big part in St Vincent de Paul, visiting many persons in need of assistance and determining how the society can help them. In one Branch or Conference area alone, anywhere up to 10 different suburbs can be assisted.

"The proceeds generated from the St Vincent de Paul stores get used to finance the assistance that we provide – all these (different) things we do to help people," says Heidi Sison, Manager of St Vincent de Paul Store, Oakleigh. "And we don’t go and tell other people about it," adds volunteer Bill Norman, "that’s just kept between us and the people. It’s very confidential."

The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul provides a relaxed and enjoyable working environment and based on some of the stories recounted by Bill and Heidi, perhaps too relaxed!

Bill tells of times when "we’ve had volunteers who put their lunch in the washing machine (!?) forgotten about it, gone to the fridge and eaten somebody else’s lunch!".

He also recalls less relaxed periods "about 15 years ago, (when) we had a lot of retired men who would have (long and involved) arguments about Labor (versus) Liberal parties, and what the Government should do." 

Heidi has also experienced her share of funny situations, recalling occasions when "some customers have left behind their cars, glasses, and shopping trolleys (which, mistaken for donations, were sometimes re-sold!)".

But while the lighthearted moments provide an enjoyable escape, it is what the society does in times of hardship that inspire the volunteers to remain involved and active.

"One of the highlights of what the society has done was in response to the 1997 Bushfires in the Dandenongs. The society opened a big factory where numerous donations (to bushfire victims) were sorted… we even had some caravans sent in. It doesn’t matter what the organisation is - communities just come together," Bill noted.

As well as clothes/furniture, St Vincent de Paul is opening food stores for people in need, selling at near wholesale prices. The first Victorian store is located in West Heidelberg, with more to follow. (Further information re these stores can be obtained by calling St Vincent de Paul’s Head Office on the number listed below.)

"We have had people who’ve been on drugs (who) we have helped get back in to life again; street kids. People that we’ve helped (often) give something in return, because they know it will help somebody else."