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Looking for a volunteer role?
By volunteering at Vinnies, you can be sure you’re making a difference. For some people, volunteering is a chance to give something back to the community, to use their skills and experience to make a difference in the lives of people who need assistance the most. For others, it is a chance to develop new skills and experience in a supportive environment. A range of volunteering options are available - and one that's just right for you.
Current volunteer vacancies
Please take a look at the current volunteer positions we have on offer in South Australia. The volunteer position description explains how to apply for the role. This is not an exhaustive list, and we always welcome applications from people interested in volunteering with Vinnies. Take a look at how you can get involved, below.
Volunteering options
Members of the St. Vincent de Paul Society are volunteers who dedicate their time and energy to serving people in need in their local communities. Members work together in groups known as Conferences that can be attached to; Catholic Church parishes, schools, universities, social groups, workplaces, or groups of individuals from the local area. Members come from all walks of life and are united by their desire to help others regardless of their race, religion, or social status.
What is involved in being a Member?
The role of a Member involves visiting people in their homes or in designated meeting places, providing them with emotional and spiritual support, and helping them access practical assistance such as food, clothing, and accommodation. They work closely with other community organisations and agencies to identify and respond to the needs of the most vulnerable members of society.
Members are known for their compassion, empathy, and willingness to help others. They are committed to living out the principles of the St. Vincent de Paul Society, which include charity, justice, and compassion. Members are also dedicated to promoting social justice and working towards a more equitable society, where everyone has access to the basic necessities of life.
How do I become a Member?
Call 08 8112 8700
Vinnies shops operate in 34 locations across South Australia: from Coober Pedy to Mount Gambier and (almost) everywhere in between! Vinnies shops sell a wide range of pre-loved donated goods including clothing, books, homewares, furniture and toys at affordable prices. Profits from shop sales help fund our range of community services.
Who shops at Vinnies?
Shoppers come from all walks of life: some are motivated by the sustainable nature of second-hand shopping; others are seeking unique and one-of-a-clothing items of clothing; while others appreciate the affordability of quality goods.
Like Vinnies customers, our retail volunteers have their own motivation for getting involved: some are seeking to learn new skills to help secure employment; others want to give back and help people who need a hand; while others want to connect with like-minded people in their local community. Everyone is welcome!
What does a retail volunteering role at Vinnies involve?
There are a variety of roles available for volunteers in Vinnies shops such as:
- sorting and pricing donated items
- setting up displays
- serving customers
- helping with administrative tasks
- and more!
We will work with you to find out more about your skills and interests, and help you find a role that brings out your best.
How do I become a retail volunteer?
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER YOUR INTEREST
For more information:
Call 08 8112 8735
Fred's Van is a meal service that provides comfort and a warm, nutritious meal for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness, experiencing poverty or food insecurity, or otherwise in need of assistance.
Fred's Van operates as a mobile outdoor service in the Adelaide CBD, and indoors in several locations throughout Adelaide and other regional centres including Port Lincoln and Port Pirie. Fred's Van relies almost entirely on volunteers and generous donations of ready-to-heat-and-eat food and ingredients to continue its vital work.
What does volunteering with Fred's Van involve?
Volunteering with Fred's Van is a rewarding 'hands-on' experience that involves working as part of a team to prepare and serve food, and provide support to guests.
How do I become a Fred's Van volunteer?
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER YOUR INTEREST
For more information:
Call 08 8112 8711
If you have a passion for social justice, volunteering on one of our committees would be a great way to put your passion into action! Contribute your skills, knowledge, and expertise and make a positive impact on the lives of South Australians.
Click here to view vacant volunteer committee positions
Assistance Line volunteers take calls from people in the community who are experiencing hardship and connect them with local Vinnies support networks known as Conferences.
These volunteers are an incredibly important part of the St. Vincent de Paul Society in South Australia, often the first contact many vulnerable people have with the Society.
Assistance phone lines are open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. during the week and volunteers also complete a large amount of data entry work which is important to ensure records and statistics remain up to date. The role is varied - with no two days the same – but very rewarding!
How do I become an Assistance Line volunteer?
Call 08 8112 8711
Email volunteering@svdpsa.org.au
Admin support is vital to the smooth running of our organisation, while providing an opportunity for you to develop or enhance your skills in a busy office environment. Tasks may include answering phones, responding to emails, organising files, scheduling appointments, data entry and other tasks as required.
How do I become an Admin Support Volunteer?
Call 08 8112 8700
Want to help, but can't commit to an ongoing volunteer role?
It's great that you want to make a difference in your community, and we understand that a formal volunteering role is not possible for everyone. You may be employed, or juggling family life or other responsibilities.
Here are some other ways you might be able to assist us in our work:
Volunteering with Vinnies in South Australia - frequently asked questions
With such a wide range of services and programs to be involved in, there is something to suit all commitment levels from; weekly, monthly, quarterly, or ad-hoc volunteering. We recognise that the level of involvement volunteers can commit to will vary depending on their personal circumstances such as; study, work, and family commitments. Volunteers are also supported to adjust their commitment as their personal circumstances change.
In some roles, such as in our shops, it is helpful if volunteers can commit to a regular rostered shift - that way we know how many volunteers we require on any given day.
Most training is 'on the job' and you will learn as you go with the support of your manager and coordinator. You will also have access to an online training platform to ensure you have the skills and information required to fulfil your role safely.
Your manager/coordinator will support your training needs as required in conjunction with our Work, Health and Safety Coordinator and other relevant personnel.
All active volunteers must hold a valid National Police Check, and other safety checks as may be required depending on the volunteering role you undertake.
If you don't hold a valid National Police Check, our team can help you apply for one at no cost to you (for the purposes of volunteering at Vinnies).
Volunteers are also required to sign a Code of Conduct, which outlines expected workplace behaviours.
In essence, no: we welcome people of all backgrounds and beliefs who support our mission to help people living in poverty or disadvantage.
In practice, as a lay Catholic organisation, volunteers and staff can expect some exposure to Vincentian spirituality. Vincentians are people who seek to live their lives and their faith in the spirit of St Vincent de Paul, who is the Patron of the St Vincent de Paul Society.
Our volunteers help anyone in need, regardless of their background, culture, religion, political opinion, sexuality, or gender identity. One of our principle tenets is to 'meet people where they are'; be it in their home, in hospital, in detention, or on the street.
Yes, Vinnies is a Centrelink-approved voluntary work organisation.
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