18 December 2017

$1.4M Lotterywest grant to support Vinnies

Premier Mark McGowan and Lotterywest CEO Susan Hunt PSM today presented St Vincent de Paul Society (Vinnies) with a $1.4 million grant to support their work in Western Australia.

The organisation plays a vital role in assisting Western Australians in need - last financial year alone, Vinnies provided support to almost 40,000 Western Australians through its emergency relief program.

A total of 62 per cent of these requests were for help with food - Vinnies is preparing to deliver almost 1,500 hampers to people who would otherwise go without this Christmas.

Through its staff, dedicated volunteers and community support, Vinnies' emergency relief program assists people experiencing disadvantage with food, clothing, household items and utility bills.

Since 1989 the State Government has, through Lotterywest, provided 78 grants to the organisation totalling more than $17.8 million.

The State Government through the Department of the Premier and Cabinet has also donated $20,000 towards the 2017 St Vincent de Paul Society Christmas Appeal.

The Christmas Appeal runs from November to January and enables Vinnies to provide assistance to individuals and families in need during Christmas, the new year and back to school period.

People can help Vinnies by donating to its Christmas Appeal at https://www.vinnies.org.au, which goes towards assisting people by providing practical and financial support as well as funding important support services for homelessness, mental health and youth.

Comments attributed to Premier Mark McGowan:

"The State Government is pleased to support the important work of Vinnies with this $1.4 million Lotterywest grant.

"The Vinnies Christmas Appeal is on now and I encourage the community to continue supporting Vinnies so they can continue providing much needed assistance to people experiencing hardship.

"Well done to the St Vincent de Paul Society for all the work they do in supporting Western Australians in need."