Tucked around the corner from the offices above the Vinnies store in Newtown is the long-running, highly successful altar bread kitchen, which has been producing communion breads for the last 30 years.

Volunteering at Vinnies for the last year has been a blast. It is a refreshing change from my weekly shift work as a nurse at Wellington Hospital. I love having the ability to be creative with colour, fabric and use my skills that I have acquired over many years sewing.

People find inspiration at different points in their lives. Some decide that generosity is the path to fulfilment — the noble cause of giving back what they receive from society. Ross and Cristina, who have been conference members of St. Vincent De Paul (SVDP) for the past five months, are doing precisely that.

Through all these remarkable stories came the realisation and gratitude that “they signed for us.” All wanted a better life - we were excited and inspired as thousands of stitches gave light to these remarkable women of courage and vision.

“Social work is about stories, it’s about people’s stories and who they are. It’s like peeling an onion; layers upon layers upon layers and every little onion is different so it’s always fascinating”.

Over the past year, we have sought to give many people a hand up to help them in their need.

Projects like Suffrage in Stitches help foster togetherness and create stronger communities…

Being able to assist is a privilege, and for me I think social work is a vocation. I applied for this role as I was missing the ‘grit’ of frontline work and wanted a change from health social work.

Kelburn Op Shop manager, Narges was anonymously nominated by a member of the Kelburn Community for the Kiwibank New Zealand Local Hero of the Year Award.

Is it kind ? Is it important? Does it help?

Gil Lescher was one of City Conferences longest serving members. A Vincentian since the 1950’s, we remember Gil and her contribution to her community through her words of reflection before passing in late 2018.

"When I think back now on it all, the many wonderful people I have met (including our St Vincent de Paul members), I have no regrets at all. Sometimes it wasn’t easy but it has been all so worthwhile.”

Newtown is one of Wellington’s most ethnically diverse and creative suburbs, it’s full of character (and colourful characters) but out of this melting pot springs a strong sense of community.

“How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.” – Winnie The Pooh.

Being a member of the digital community is taken for granted by most New Zealanders and having both a stable Internet connection and an accessible device is so much a part of our world that we often forget they are there.

Suffrage in Stitches is a textile project devised and led by the co-ordinator and participants at Vinnies Re Sew* with the support of Wellington Museum.

“Extend your mercy towards others, so that there can be no one in need whom you meet without helping.” - Saint Vincent de Paul

St Vincent de Paul Society in Wellington stands and unites with our brothers and sisters from the Muslim communities. We are a safe space. A space anyone can find assistance and the support they need.

As a majority volunteer-based organisation, we rely on the generosity of everyday people giving their time to support the greater mission of Vinnies Wellington - which is to simply help people.

On Friday 14 December 2018, the Seatoun and Miramar members and friends of St. Vincent de Paul Society put together boxes and hampers, delivering them to over 60 households for 230 people most in need of this extra help at this time of year.

Three long serving and beloved Vincentians of the Seatoun & Miramar Conference in Wellington were honoured at a Festival Mass in December 2018