MOUNT Gambier St Vincent De Paul’s was visited by the organisation’s top representatives recently as they met with volunteers and assessed services in the region.
Newly appointed state manager Cathy Beaton and South Australian chief executive officer David Wark said they were blown away by the region’s volunteers and “booming” shop when they visited on September 18.
“I can’t believe the shop, it’s big, it’s busy and it’s thriving,” Ms Beaton said
“The shop is what enables us to provide to those that need our service, this is what makes it happens, so it’s great to see how impressive this store is.”
Ms Beaton met with a number of volunteers, gaining a greater understanding of what needed to happen to keep attracting and retaining volunteers.
“We need to work out how we make sure we are a volunteer organisation of choice and keep attracting new volunteers by connecting with people,” Ms Beaton said.
“That is one of the strategies statewide, so we need to make sure we can implement that at a regional level.”
Regional manager John De Souza said around 960 people required the organisation’s help last year and they must make sure they continue to provide a service to everyone in need.
“Around 960 men, women and children walked through the door last year and they are the people who we are helping and who need our support,” Mr De Souza said.
Ms Beaton said the organisation was aware of the demand for more volunteers and is confident their strategy will help support the region.
“We are coming up with innovative ways to support the volunteers we have, but also to try and build that volunteer base for the future,” Ms Beaton said.
Mr Wark said alignment of values was an important aspect of attracting and keeping volunteers.
“The vast majority of volunteers would be pretty comfortable with the values Vinnies hold close,” Mr Wark said.
“The volunteers are the top of the tree of this organisation, they are not here to support the staff – the staff are here to support them.”
