On a recent Winter Monday day, the Vinnies Van cooked up a feast at Belmore Park, next to Central Station.
What began as a simple volunteer shift became a powerful reminder of the impact one meal and one conversation can have.
That afternoon, I met Daniela and Natalie, two long-standing volunteers whose dedication embodies the spirit of the St Vincent de Paul Society.
As we served meals together, they shared their inspiring journeys, revealing how small acts of service can ripple outward, transforming both giver and receiver.
For these women, volunteering began at St Joan of Arc Primary School in Haberfield, where the school's culture of service through Night Patrols, sandwich drives, and the Mini Vinnies program planted early seeds of compassion.
"It felt natural to take the next step," Daniela explained, recalling how Family Educator Belinda Bayssari first invited her to join a lunch run. Natalie nodded in agreement, "Seeing our community's commitment made me want to be part of something bigger. Here, we don't just serve meals, we try to serve dignity."
Under the guidance of Tony El Mourani, Vans Coordinator, the team transforms Belmore Park into a place of warmth each Monday.
“Yes, we cook sausages and pour tea,” Natalie said, “but the real magic happens in the conversations. Sometimes people just need to be seen.”
Daniela, a seven-year veteran of Thursday night van runs, added: “Every person has a story. Our job is to listen without judgment and offer kindness without conditions.”
Both volunteers vividly recalled serving during Sydney's Vivid Festival, when the city's dazzling lights hid a growing crisis.
“The contrast between the glittering displays and their struggles was heartbreaking.”
Natalie remembered the line stretching farther than usual, “That night, we ran out of supplies. It taught me that homelessness isn't what most people imagine, it's hidden in plain sight.”
When I asked how volunteering had changed them, Daniela grew thoughtful. “It's a daily reminder to appreciate what I have – my home, my family's health. Service keeps me grounded in gratitude.”
For Natalie, the impact was more visceral. “Volunteering strips away illusions. Once you truly see inequality, you can't unsee it. That knowledge compels you to act.”
Both women praised Tony's leadership. “He's the backbone of this operation," Daniela said, watching him patiently coach a new volunteer. “Tony shows us that true service means showing up rain or shine.”
As we packed up, they offered advice for potential volunteers. “Don't overthink it,” Daniela urged. “An hour of your time can mean the world to someone.”
That evening, as Belmore Park emptied, I realised the true power of this work. The sausages and sandwiches mattered, yes, but the real nourishment came in shared smiles, in the way Tony remembered regulars' names, in how Daniela and Natalie made everyone feel valued.
In a world that often measures impact in metrics and milestones, volunteering with the Society reminds us how humanity matters in the small moments.
A massive thank you to Natalie and Daniela for their commitment and passion towards Volunteering at Vinnies.