As a Vinnies Van Volunteer, you’ll be part of a team that delivers more than just food—you’ll be offering hope, support, and a listening ear to those who need it most. Volunteer roles are flexible and may involve activities such as: - Preparing and distributing food and drinks - Engaging in respectful, non-judgmental conversation with service users - Helping set up and pack down the van - Picking up and sorting donations - Cooking a BBQ

Preparing and distributing food and drinks: Assisting with the preparation of simple meals, snacks, and beverages before each van shift. You’ll help serve food and drinks to service users in a safe, hygienic, and friendly manner, ensuring everyone feels welcome and respected.

Engaging in respectful, non-judgmental conversation: A key part of the role is providing companionship and a listening ear. Many service users value genuine human connection as much as the meal itself. Volunteers are encouraged to engage with people in a compassionate and understanding way, helping to foster a sense of community and trust.

Helping set up and pack down the van: Before and after each shift, you’ll help ensure the van is stocked, clean, and ready for service. This may include setting up tables, organizing supplies, restocking items, and maintaining cleanliness to meet safety standards.

Picking up and sorting donations: Volunteers may assist in collecting donated food, clothing, or hygiene products. You might also help sort, organize, and store these donations to ensure they are ready for distribution during van shifts.

Cooking a BBQ or preparing hot meals: Depending on the location and event, you may have the opportunity to cook or assist with a BBQ, providing hearty meals and creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere for service users.

Why join Vinnies as a volunteer

Volunteering is a great way to interact with like-minded people and build friendships.

Your contribution as a volunteer will bring you a feeling of satisfaction knowing you are working for an organisation that makes a difference for those in need. It will provide an opportunity for those who would like to gain retail training and experience and an avenue for you to share your expertise and talents.

Our volunteers are an integral part of the ongoing success of our Vinnies shops and in achieving the goals outlined in the St Vincent de Paul NSW’s Strategic Plan.

If you are interested in becoming a much valued Vinnies volunteer, please either pop in to the shop for an application and information pack or hit the APPLY button below.

Vinnies

The St Vincent de Paul Society NSW (Vinnies) assists people experiencing poverty and inequality and works to shape a more just and compassionate society. We assist in offering “a hand up” to people in need. We do this by respecting their dignity, sharing our hope, and encouraging them to take control of their own destiny.

The St Vincent de Paul Society NSW is committed to being a Child Safe Organisation. Vinnies has developed a clear, accountable and transparent Policy and Procedures to ensure that it complies with relevant legislation and that all children and young people who come into contact with Vinnes are kept safe and are supported to the best of our capacity.

St Vincent de Paul Society (NSW) is an Equal Opportunity host and is committed to engaging a diverse workforce. Vinnies strongly encourages applications from people from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander background, people with disability, people from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds and mature aged applicants.