OPERATION BACKPACK 2021
LISMORE CENTRAL COUNCIL
Vinnies representatives Gail Gaudron and Pauline Buckland (front) and Maria Miller (centre) joined Lismore Shopping Square staff Steve and Sarah, and Lismore Deputy Mayor Neil Marks for the launch of this year’s Operation Backpack on 6 January 2021. Gail is the Lismore Central Council President. Pauline and Maria belong to the local St Carthage’s Conference in Lismore.
In the lead-up to first term 2021, the St Vincent de Paul Society and the Lismore Shopping Square have partnered to help families with primary school aged children receive essential back-to-school supplies.
Previously shoppers have donated backpacks and stationery items, however due to COVID-19, shoppers have been asked to make financial donations for the purchase of school supplies such as stationery, uniforms and backpacks.
At a time when so many families are facing financial stress, coupled with the reduction of the JobSeeker support, helping reduce the costs of back-to-school expenses will be critically helpful for families in need.
Local Conference members and staff are in close touch with local families and primary schools in areas of identified need.
Local media were invited to attend the launch. Click on the link to see the local television station’s story. https://www.nbnnews.com.au/2021/01/06/lismores-operation-backpack-returns-as-cost-of-school-basics-climbs/
Lismore WE CARE Framework Monitoring Feedback-20200225
Gail Gaudron, Lismore Central Council (LCC) President, provided an opportunity for the LCC members to learn more about Vinnies No Interest Loans from the Membership Programs Team on 11 November 2020. Members learned how people they assist may benefit from the Vinnies No Interest Loans and gain access to many goods and services that they would otherwise have difficulty getting.
Cecily Foley shared an interesting story about a young student from TAFE who borrowed from a payday lender and ended up paying double the amount of a pair of glasses. The young student needed to replace her glasses urgently which cost $110, she borrowed it from a pay day loan and two weeks later it cost her $220 to repay. This is an example of where Vinnies Conference members could help vulnerable people in our society by referring them to 1800 484 664 NILS service centre or by advising clients to e-mail NILS@vinnies.org.au.
Regional Council Presidents will share with their conferences information on the Vinnies No Interest Loans and they will be supported by the Vinnies No Interest Loans team.
In the photo are (from left to right): Claire Van Doorn- Regional Director for North East Region, Gail Gaudron- Central Council President and the Regional Council leader Paul Edgar, ED of Membership Volunteers and Regional Operations- Ray Mouwad, Justin Walsh the new Executive Officer for Membership Volunteers and Regional Operations, Cecily Foley, Gabi Curwood, Mike Reynolds, Greg Ryan, Marte Tagle the Membership Programs Manager, Mick Albany, Rosie Leo- the new Member and Community Engagement Officer for Lismore and Pauline Shay.
Wollongong Central Council
From Macarthur and the Illawarra to the Shoalhaven and the Southern Highlands.
Armidale Central Council
Bathurst Central Council
