Timber manufacturer Timberlink has donated $20,000 to help keep Vinnies meal vans running in northern Tasmania, where the charity said demand for its services continues to grow.
The money will support the St Vincent de Paul Society’s vans in the north and north-west, which provide meals, drinks and referrals to people experiencing hardship.
Society national president Mark Gaetaini said the donation would make “a real difference”.
“With demand for our services continuing to grow, contributions like this are vital to ensuring our vans remain on the road and our volunteers can continue reaching those who need support most,” he said.
Gaetaini said cost-of-living pressures were straining households, with more people seeking help from the society for the first time. He said the costs of keeping the vans on the road, including fuel, maintenance, food and supplies, were “considerable”.
Timberlink chief technical and sustainability officer Trevor Innes said he hoped the donation would set an example for other Tasmanian businesses.
“The donation reflects the company’s commitment to supporting the communities in which we operate,” he said.
“Supporting Vinnies Vans in this way is a natural fit for us.”
Timberlink is an Australian manufacturer of timber products made from renewable plantation pine.
Its two large manufacturing facilities are in Bell Bay and Tarpeena, South Australia.
Figures from the society show the Launceston Vinnies van has provided 3,768 meals this year and supports an average of 350 people each month. It runs four nights a week, stopping at Civic Square and Ravenswood.
In the north-west, the Burnie and Smithton vans have provided 7,660 meals between them this year.
The donation goes towards the society’s first Vans Appeal, which aims to raise $80,000 for vans across the state, including Loui’s Van in the south. The society said the vans help more than 30,000 people each year.
Earlier this month, the society said it was halfway to its target and hoped to reach it before the appeal closes at the end of October.
Gaetaini said he wanted other businesses to “take up the challenge”.
“Whether it’s a major donation or a smaller contribution, every dollar helps us continue providing food, practical assistance and meaningful human connection to Tasmanians doing it tough,” he said.
Donations can be made online or by cash or EFTPOS at any Vinnies store.
