Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull, along with St Vincent de Paul volunteers in Bairnsdale, are calling on the generosity of locals to donate any unused blankets, sleeping bags, swags, tents and warm clothing to support those in our community doing it tough this winter.
“With cost-of-living pressures pushing household budgets to the brink this winter, more and more people will become reliant on services provided by various welfare organisations for assistance, such as St Vincent de Paul,” Mr Bull said.
“Donations that can provide shelter and warmth will make all the difference to our most vulnerable and will be welcomed with open arms by the hard-working team at the St Vincent de Paul Assistance Centre, Bairnsdale.
“Every night, thousands of people are experiencing homelessness and forced to sleep rough in Victoria and these people will feel the full brunt.
“Many households are living week-to-week or pay cheque-to-pay cheque and some East Gippsland families are forced to make the difficult decision between putting food on the table or heating their homes this winter.
“Making a difference can be as easy as donating unused (or old but good quality) winter warmers, which will be handed out by the fantastic volunteers operating from the Macleod Street site.
“Donations are asked to be dropped off at the St Vincent de Paul Assistance Centre in Macleod Street in Bairnsdale Monday to Friday between 10am - 2pm, not the retail op-shop operating in Main Street.
“I urge locals to see if they have any suitable items around the home which they can spare to donate to support those less fortunate,” he said.
Caption: Nationals State MP, Tim Bull, together with St Vincent de Paul volunteers, Kerrie, Jo and Trish, are calling on the community to donate warm items for those less fortunate this winter.

Tuesday, 30 May 2023