Hard Rock Gym manager Glenn Stewart handed over the keys of their new, custom designed and built office to Linda Barry from St Vincent De Paul on Tuesday, August 27.
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The office has been custom built within the Hard Rock Gym, to provide the St Vincent De Paul Conference with a safe and private area for discussions with community members who may need 'a hand up'.
"It is very important that we make that point very clear, we do not give 'hand outs'. Mrs Barry said.
"We give a 'hand up' to members of the community who, for whatever reason, may find themselves in need of some assistance. There is no shame in asking for help, and this office will provide the privacy to ensure that people's dignity is respected."
The St Vincent De Paul is a lay-Catholic association that is run by volunteers and is dedicated to assisting people in need.
"The difference between the St Vincent De Paul shop, next to IGA and our office, is that the shop is a retail business, designed to sell donated products, the money that is made is then returned to the community." Mrs Barry said.
"We are here to assist people with food, vouchers for necessities like electricity bills, accommodation and clothing. We do not give money, but we can help in other ways."
St Vincent De Paul statistics show that there is now a greater need than ever before for people to seek assistance with their basic necessities, due to a rise in the cost of living and, especially in regional areas, the drought and it's effects on regional communities.
"We are very grateful to Bendigo Bank, and the Uniting Church, who recently collected food items for us to disperse within our area, and of course, the people who so kindly donated the food items." Mrs Barry said.
"We are still desperately in need of food items, and indeed, volunteers to assist us with this work."
"To volunteer with St Vincent De Paul, you do not need to be of the Catholic faith. We will provide Police Checks and 'Working with Vulnerable People checks to ensure everyone's safety." Mrs Barry said.
Food items can be left at the St Vincent De Paul shop on Neill Street. For appointments, please call 0427 125 108. Interviews are held on Tuesdays between 9.30 and 11 am at the Hard Rock Gym.